Across the Czech Republic, the Romani community has actively joined the aid efforts for victims of the catastrophic floods which have affected many regions. Czech Government Commissioner for Roma Minority Affairs Lucie Fuková is coordinating the efforts of the Regional Roma Coordinators with other organizations, while the Agency for Social Inclusion is targeting its support to the socially excluded municipalities. The Romodrom organization is providing crisis support and humanitarian assistance in the areas that have most been affected. In the Ostrava area, the Vzájemné soužití (Life Together) organization is also helping. Local Romani communities in Brno, Hanušovice, Krnov and Luže are significantly contributing to evacuation and rescue work. Fuková has described to news server Romea.cz the many steps she has taken to arrange for effective aid delivery. “During the weekend we sent a message to the Regional Roma Coordinators, members of the Czech Government Council for Roma Minority Affairs and also members of its Security Working Group,” Fuková said, adding that she called on all of those entitities to coordinate with NGOs, whether pro-Roma or Romani-led, with Romani leaders, and with municipal representatives. “I also called on the director of the Agency for Social Inclusion, Martin Šimáček, to effectively coordinate aid in the socially excluded localities and regions,” Fuková said.

Link: https://romea.cz/en/czech-republic/czech-floods-2024-roma-providing-aid-commissioner-fukova-coordinating-assistance-with-community-leaders-romodrom-sets-up-crisis-hotline

IRU delegate from Finland Ramona Grönstrand informed us that on May 28-29, 2024, the Forum for Good Relations with the Population was held in Kajaani.

In 2023, the project Good relations with the population started in cooperation with the Uusimaa ELY Center and the Ministry of Justice. The project is part of the action program of the Ministry of Labor and Economy for the guidance and integration of refugees in the municipalities. The event was attended by more than 200 professionals from various fields, such as state administration, social areas, municipalities, organizations and religious communities. Several entrepreneurs were also involved.

The forum offered an excellent opportunity for networking and exchanging information about the measures implemented at different levels. Discussions included dismantling discriminatory structures, promoting non-discrimination in working life, raising awareness of racism, strengthening inclusion and interaction, and improving feelings of safety. In addition, the subject was examined from a historical perspective and the development of research.

On the second day of the forum, we heard inspiring examples from different parts of Finland about how good relations with the population can be promoted. This reminds us all that good relations with the population are not created only by programs and strategies, but by the contribution of each one of us. Addressing racism, creating safe spaces, talking to strangers and being open are all important factors.