The Yale World Fellows Program at the Yale University, USA is an opportunity mid-career emerging leaders who have distinguished themselves within their own professions, regions, countries, or at an international level. NGO leaders can also apply to take part in a specially designed academic curriculum that advances their critical-thinking and leadership skills and become teachers and mentors by deepening the understanding of the entire Yale community about the complexity and diversity of the world.

Candidates for the Fellowship must demonstrate themselves to be driving forces for action or effective catalysts of change. In significant ways and in significant arenas, each must show promise of a career trajectory of increasing responsibility and impact. World Fellows are selected from a wide range of fields and disciplines including government, business, nongovernmental organizations, religion, the military, media, and the arts. A selection committee aims to assemble a Fellowship group that is diverse, geographically balanced, and representative of a wide range of professions, talents, and perspectives.

Applicants must:

be in the mid-career stage, at least five and typically not more than twenty years into their professional careers, with demonstrated work accomplishments, and a clear indication of future contributions and excellence. The average age of a World Fellow is 38, though there is no minimum or maximum age limit;
have an excellent command of the English language and be able to speak, read, and write in English fluently;
be a citizen of and reside in a country other than the United States
The deadline to submit applications is December 5, 2012 at 11:59 PM EST.

For more information, visit this link: http://www.yale.edu/worldfellows/application_eligibility.html

By Rebelander S. Basilan

05/11/2012 – SIX girls who were rescued from bar joints finished a photography course sponsored by the International Justice Mission (IJM) and the Mandaue City Government.

The ten-month photography course was part of a program called the Mandaue Reintegration Support Network for Sex Trafficking Survivors.

The program aims to promote health, well-being and leadership among the victims through a supportive community and a network of professional volunteers.

Last Oct. 29, the girls showed off the skills they learned, in a photo exhibit at the Mandaue City Social Welfare Services (CSWS).

“At first look, I thought (the photos) were works of professional photographers,” said Mae Sampani, director of IJM-After Care program.

Jamie Rau, a professional photographer from Minnesota, USA, handled the photography lessons.

She said the girls already knew the techniques in photography and a follow-up training will make them professional photographers.

The subjects of the photos on exhibit at the CSWS’ Social Development Center include common Filipino foods, environment and human faces.

The girls, who now live with their families, undergo group therapy and counselling at the newly-completed Women’s Center inside the CSWS compound.

Since 2007, authorities have rescued 106 victims of sex trafficking from Mandaue.

Some 54 girls have been reintegrated into their communities and are attending the sessions at the Women’s Center.

Some are studying under the Alternative Learning System and given skills training, including photography.

At the launching of the exhibit, a photo of a long narrow pathway titled “A Long Journey” won the viewers’ choice.

Photography, Rau said, can help in the healing process of sex trafficking victims.

“The activity becomes an avenue for the rescued victims to express their dreams and aspirations,” she said.

Link: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2012/11/05/trafficking-survivors-heal-photography-251666

By Jean-Pierre Liégeois

The training programme for Roma mediators launched in 2011 has certain features which make it unique in terms of the fundamental effects it produces, both in Europe at large and in the member states.

This work sets out to contextualise the initiatives taken, highlight their utility and evaluate them. It is intended to provide guidance for the programme leaders, enable active participants – trainers, mediators, employers and others – to see their efforts as part of an overall scheme, help policy-makers to take the right decisions and describe and explain the operation to a broader readership.

The activities concerning Roma are a model for positive action here. They make an effective contribution to European co-operation, action to combat discrimination and marginalisation and the search for ways to improve situations which need it. ROMED therefore helps to fuel development of intercultural policies capable of managing present-day societies, of which diversity and pluralism are the hallmarks.

See attachement, English version.

Romed leaflet- ENG

TO:

Professor Zsolt Rostoványi, Rector Corvinus University Budapest
Professor László Zsinka, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences, Corvinus University
Professor Zéga Jeszenszky, Hungarian Ambassador to Norway, Professor at Corvinus University
Hungarian Embassy to Norway in Oslo
LIBE Committee of the European Parliament, Brussels
Juan Fernando López Aguilar, chair of the LIBE committee
Mrs Kinga Gál, vice-chair of the LIBE committee
Mrs Sophia in ‘t Veld, vice-chair of the LIBE Committee
Johannes Laitenberger, Chef de Cabinet of President Jose Manuel Barroso
Martin Selmayr, Chef de cabinet of Commissioner and Vice-President Viviane Reding
Vladimír Sucha, Director Culture in the Cabinet of Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou
Mrs Navanethem Pillay, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

We, the undersigned, are writing to express our concern regarding defamatory content featured in the book “Post-communist Europe and its National/Ethnic Problems: a course-pack” written by Dr. Géza Jeszenszky and published in 2009. The book was considered required reading for many classes at Corvinus University, widely believed to be one of the best in Hungary.

Jeszenszky’s book makes libelous claims against the minority Roma population, stating (among other defamatory comments) that “Their [the Roma's] low status on the job market and higher unemployment rates perpetuate poverty, widespread social problems and crime. The reason why many Roma are mentally ill is because in Roma culture it is permitted for sisters and brothers or cousins to marry each other or just to have sexual intercourse with each other” (pg. 273).

Not only are these statements racist and inflammatory, they are also at the most basic level incorrect. The text makes claims that are not supported in any way by facts or statistics. Rather it attempts to avoid placing blame on the national authorities who have truly caused the current state of affairs: a low participation and high unemployment rate cannot bring about high levels of poverty, though they can lead to that state; people who discriminate and exclude bring about this state of affairs.

Roma in Hungary live mostly in segregated neighbourhoods and are suffering 70% unemployment. In this condition of social exclusion, Roma are unable to gain adequate access to education and health care, as well as having limited access to employment opportunities. Many Roma children have been required to attend special schools for no other reason than that they are Roma.

As the former minister of Foreign Affairs, former Ambassador to the USA, and currently ambassador of Hungary to Norway, Dr. Jeszenszky should understand that this kind of rhetoric is archaic and does not serve a modern and burgeoning European country such as Hungary.

Humanitarian concerns aside, Jeszenszky’s comments are clearly bigoted, defamatory, and misrepresentative of Roma culture and family life. While it is true that Roma culture centers on the role and maintenance of family ties, this does not involve relationships such as those described by Jeszenszky within the family unit. Throughout Europe (and indeed the rest of the world) Roma heavily research family genealogy to ensure there is no relationship between prospective sexual partners or marriage candidates. Relationships with close family members are strictly taboo. To state that Roma are “mentally ill” because of such indecent acts can be considered by any court of law as an act of defamatory libel.

Although recent protests about this book have achieved limited success, with both the Hungarian Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Corvinus University distancing themselves from both Dr. Jeszenszky and his publication, this does not solve the problem. The damage has already been done and continues to be done as long as this volume remains in print and Dr. Jeszenszky is not held accountable. Universities are supposed to be institutions of higher learning, preparing students to be compassionate, just, and rounded citizens. In this respect, Corvinus University has failed its students. The existence of this book and the statements it contains continues to cause significant harm, whether currently an active part of the curriculum or not.

The more than 800 members of World Artists Initiative “Khetanes”, originating from 50 countries, all sincerely believe that education and art are important tools to end the current crisis that is fuelled by populism, fear and xenophobia. Scapegoating means widening gaps, which – according to us – need to be bridged in order to find a common ground. In this approach and analysis we are supported by officials from the European Commission that invited us to present our plans in April 2012 in Brussels.

We demand the immediate removal of this offensive material from the shelves and bookstores at Corvinus University, as well as for Dr. Jeszenszky to be held accountable for his damaging actions.

Yours,

Els de Groen, writer, poet, former MEP, Main Board Khetanes, Netherlands

Paul Rafferty, journalist, secretary Main Board Khetanes, USA/Netherlands

Ciuin Ferrin, Educational Editor, O Porrajmos Education Society, Daily Board Member Khetanes, USA

Niko Rergo, researcher, lawyer, writer, university teacher, Daily Board Member Khetanes Ukraine

Lukás Houdek, photographer, Daily Board Member Khetanes, Czech Republic

Zoran Tairovic, multimedia artist, painter, master of management in culture, Daily Board member Khetanes, Serbia

Anouk Sluizer, filmmaker, Daily Board Member Khetanes, Netherlands

Cristina Barzi, actress, singer, performer, Daily Board Member Khetanes, Italy

Valery Novoselsky, Executive Editor Roma Virtual Network, Daily Board Member Khetanes, Israel

Roxana Marin, President Center for Action and Responsibility in Education, Bucharest, Daily Board Member Khetanes, Romania

Eszter Pasztor, project manager Bódvalenke Fresco Village, Daily Board Member Khetanes, Hungary

Viola Hinz-Razavi, psychologist and artist, Daily Board Member Khetanes, Germany

Glenda Bailey-Mershon, writer, historian, Romani Rights Activist, Daily Board Member Khetanes, USA

Lynn Hutchingson Lee, artist, Daily Board Member, Khetanes, Canada

Qristina Cummings, writer, photographer, coordinator International Romani Anti-Defamation League of Khetanes, Media and Public Communications Director, O Porrajmos Education Society, USA

Chad Evans Wyatt, Professional Photographer, owner Professional Photography Business, USA

Tini Chris, musician, artist, reporter, Hungary

Inma Guiu, Multimedia Producer and Journalist, Owner VGMediaConsulting, Romania

Agnes Daroczi, Minority Researcher, Hungary

Moris Farhi, writer, UK

Adam Dinu, writer, journalist, translator, President of ASPER (Association For a Performant Society), Bucharest, Romania

Jeannette Gregori, teacher at Marc Bloch Highschool (Strasbourg) and photographer, France

Patricia Ter Heun, investments professional, artist and dancer, Canada

Gordana Radulovic, Romologist and project writer, Serbia

H.U Ellenberger, Chemical Engineer, translator, Lucigano (AR), Italy

Miomirka Mila Melank, Communication designer, working at Design Association ULUPUBIH, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Kujtim Pacaku, academic, branch of musicology, poet, actor and journalist, Kosovo

Katjusha Kozubek, artists, director of Romani Dance School, Berlin, Germany

Tina Burbank, educational consult and artist, Canada

Riza Laha, poet, writer, Albania

Mónica Santos Carrilo, human rights activist, Spain

Ronald Lee, author and lecturer, vice-chairman Board of Directors Roma Community Centre, Toronto, Canada

Wlavira Turczineck, teacher of dance, Brazil

Martin Kaneko, Teacher at the Japan Women’s University, Japan

Zuzana Brejcha, film maker, Austria

Kerstin König, economist, Germany

Hasiba Dzemajli, social worker, translator, human rights activist, Kosovo

Tunde Buzetzky, facilitator Decade of Roma Inclusion Secretariat Foundation, Hungary

Dr. H.C. Mariella Mehr, writer, Lucignano (AR), Italy

William Lazarus Bila, Roma Rights activist, France

Anna Marie Stenberg, writer, Canada

Roberto Malini, poet, writer, co-president EveryOne Group, Italy

Dario Picciau, movie director, member of the Executive Board of The International Academy of Digital Art and Sciences, Director White Mouse Publishing, Co-President EveryOne Group, Italy

Steed Gamero, photographer, Co-President EveryOne Group, Italy

Fabio Patronelli, artist, Co-President EveryOne Group, Italy

Yannick Pirod, president of the French cultural Association E-Media Concept, sea captain, France

Bob Kozak, musician, owner of KORO Entertainment, Canada

Hristo Kyuchukov, academic, writer, Free University Berlin, Germany; St Elizabeth University Bratislava, Slovakia

Peter Jorna, Consultancy Social Inclusion, Roma & Sinti Issues ‘at Home and Abroad’, Netherlands

UN OHCHR – United Nations – Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

Brussels, Belgium

Post Title and Level: Programme Assistant / GS-6

Duty Station:

Regional office for Europe – Brussels, Belgium

Duration: 3 months (possibility of extension)

Starting date: asap

Organisation Unit: Field Operations and Technical Cooperation Division
Europe and Central Asia Section

Contact: Cover letter and P11 form to be sent to Ms. Iranek-Osmecka:
jiranek-osmecka@ohchr.org by 6 November 2012
For the P11 form, please use the link: http://www2.ohchr.org/SPdocs/AboutUs/p11form.doc

Only qualified candidates will be contacted

Duties and Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the OHCHR Regional Representative for Europe and the officer in charge, as well as in coordination with the office’s Finance and Programme Associate, the incumbent will essentially perform administrative and programmatic tasks necessary for the support of the Regional Office’s work and the implementation of Office activities. The assistant will contribute to fulfilling the office’s overall work-plan, displaying flexibility vis à vis the practical needs of the team.

The Programme Assistant will carry out the following duties:

Assists in planning and implementing conferences, seminars, workshops and other meetings. This includes, amongst other things, logistical arrangements, distributing agendas and background information, preparing necessary material and equipment, minute-taking, etc.;
Assist in the drafting of concept notes and reports/evaluations of activities;
Carry out substantive duties in relation to project formulation, monitoring and evaluation;
Perform other duties as requested by the Regional Representative.
Qualifications
Education and experience:
Completion of secondary education or equivalent. Specific training in a field relevant to project management, finance, logistics, administration, accounting or other equivalent fields requiring substantial organizational skills desirable. Minimum 6 years of progressively responsible experience in programme/project operations and administration and/or secretarial experience in directly related fields such as office management.

Knowledge and skills:
Excellent organizational skills and ability to work under pressure; excellent drafting, communication and IT skills; proven administrative and organizational capacities, both in an office and in a conference context; ability to establish effective working relations in a multicultural team environment; excellent interpersonal skills; knowledge of the institutions in the region and familiarity with the work of OHCHR will be an asset.

Language: Fluency in both written and oral English and French. Knowledge of another official UN language will be an asset.

Link: http://www.eurobrussels.com/job_display/20820/Programme_Assistant_United_Nations_Office_of_the_High_Commissioner_for_Human_Rights_Brussels_Belgium

Closing date: 15 November 2012

Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe

Background

As mandated by the 2003 OSCE Roma and Sinti Action Plan (Chapter VII), ODIHR has been addressing the situation of Roma and related groups in crisis and post-crises situations in particular in the Western Balkans region, which has been affected by ethnic tensions and conflicts in 1990s. ODIHR pays particular attention to the situation of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptians, including the situation and reintegration of displaced persons from this community. Many governments in the region have developed Roma integration strategies and action plans, however, their implementation at local level and anticipated impact on the situation on the Roma people in the areas of education, employment, housing and access to services is a long-term process. Western Balkan governments have frequently expressed their willingness to enhance efforts in the implementation of action plans to ensure that Roma are truly benefitting from them. The international community can play a key role in supporting governments, centrally and locally, in this endeavour.

In 2011, ODIHR was awarded EU funding for a regional project in the Western Balkans to strengthen the capacity of central and local governments and mechanisms in dealing with Roma and related groups and enhance the integration of these communities into society. The specific objectives of the project are to: (i) enhance Roma participation in decision making of policies of their concern (ii) enhance access to civil registration and legal aid services for Roma groups, (iii) empower Roma to benefit from initiatives aiming to legalise or improve their housing situations, (iv) enhance Roma participation in public life and (v) foster cross border co-ordination and initiatives improving Roma participation.

Currently, there is a lack of young Roma who are able to take leadership positions and promote the integration of Roma communities, both at the central government level and among civil society organizations. This problem undermines the quality of policy planning and implementation. In order to support the development of young Roma professionals, BPRI project developed a specific programme and seeks to recruit 24 Young Roma Professionals throughout the Western Balkans region.

Objective of the assignment To support and build the capacities of young Roma in the Western Balkans to participate in policy making and advocacy for combating discrimination, improving living conditions and expanding access to public services.

Tasks and Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the Programme Co-ordinator and the supervision of the BPRI National Project Officer, the Young Roma Professionals will:

Provide programmatic support for implementation of activities at the OSCE and a government ministry/office (five months each), including conducting background research, writing articles, reports and minutes, organizing meetings, etc; Write a report about the position of Roma in their jurisdiction; Each YRP will present their report to representatives of the OSCE field operation and/or other stakeholders as agreed with the supervisor; Perform other relevant tasks as defined by the BPRI National Project Officer and the OSCE field operation. Location and Equipment: The Young Roma Professionals will carry out their work from the OSCE field operation or government office. All travel costs in the field necessary for the duties described above will be covered by the BPRI project. The placement of selected consultants in governmental offices will depend on their needs and pending their approval.

Necessary Qualifications

Qualifications: Completed high school degree. Initiated or completed University degree in social sciences, law, political science or related field will be an asset; Minimum of two years of professional experience working on Roma issues, social inclusion or a related topic; Knowledge and awareness of the situation of the Roma communities in the region of Western Balkans; Excellent oral and written communication and drafting skills in the local language of the given jurisdiction are essential; Knowledge of English will be an asset; Ability to work with minimal supervision and under pressure; The maximum age for the Young Roma should be 30 years of age (following EC definition in Youth in Action eligibility ). ODIHR acknowledges the fact that international organizations wishing to promote Roma inclusion can and must carry out their work ‘with Roma for Roma by Roma’. Therefore, this programme is primarily oriented towards Roma, Egyptian and Ashkali applicants. Women are encouraged to apply.

Deliverables: By the end of December 2012, complete the induction training at the OSCE field operation; By the end of April 2013, complete the traineeship in the OSCE field operation; By the end of May 2013, complete the induction training at the ministry; By the end of September 2013, complete the traineeship in the ministry; Early September 2013, submit the draft report to the National Project Officer. End of September 2013, each YRP to plan an event in their jurisdiction to present their report.

Remuneration Package

The Young Roma Professionals will carry out their assignments between 1 December 2012 and 30 September 2013. The remuneration rate will be EUR 250 per month (gross) in all jurisdictions except in Croatia where the rate will be EUR 336 per month. Travel expenses will be paid separately if needed.

How to apply:
CV and cover letter in English should be submitted by 15 November 2012 to the following address: recruit@odihr.pl. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The selection of successful candidates will be based on the application and interview. Dates and place of interviews will be communicated only to short listed applicants. The results will be posted on the website: www.bpri-odihr.org. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Link: http://reliefweb.int/job/534306/young-roma-professionals-vnodic00385

Making the Most of EU Funds for Roma
29/10/2012 – The objective of this call for proposals is to assess key policies, programs, and approaches applied for using EU funds for the inclusion of marginalized communities including Roma, draw policy conclusions and recommendations from the assessment, and use the conclusions and recommendations for planning the use of EU funds in the 2014-20 period.

Ideally, conclusions and recommendations should be used both in the given country, to improve its policies, programs, and approaches, and in other relevant countries, to learn from international experiences.

Application Deadline: November 12, 2012.

For full details please see http://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/grants/assessment-key-policies-programs-and-approaches-using-eu-funds-roma-inclusion

Media Roma volunteers from Hacı Evhat Neighbourhood of Malkara district of Tekirdağ (Thracia, Turkey) shared video of a traditional Roma wedding done in their neighboud with audiences of our wep page. You could also make a contribution to the promotion of Roma culture sending videos of your special days.

Watch movie on mediaroma.blogspot.co.il/2012/11/roma-wedding-tekirdag-hac-evhat.html

MEDIAROMA
Roma Communication Channel
mediaroma.blogspot.com

MEDYA ROMAN
www.medyaroman.org

For decades, Romany activist Romani Rose has been representing the interests of Germany’s Roma and Sinti communities.

He welcomes Berlin’s new memorial for the murdered Roma and Sinti victims of the Nazis – they include many of his close relatives.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lJKySDpKJ4

October 31st, 2012

The Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders is open to accepting applications for the year 2013. The goal of the Award is to extend recognition and protective publicity to those who are currently involved in front line work for the promotion and protection of human rights. The Award aims to encourage individuals and – exceptionally – organizations who are currently working for the rights of others in conditions hostile to fundamental human rights and who are in need of protection. Special account is taken of those who have demonstrated an active record of combating human rights violations by courageous and innovative means.

Anybody can nominate any individual or organization by filling out the appropriate form. Neither individuals nor organizations may nominate themselves or act as referee for themselves. Three referees are needed for a valid nomination and these persons must have agreed to act as such.

The definition of ‘Human Rights Defenders’ has been explained as: “For the purpose of selecting candidates for the Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders, the Jury consider an eligible human rights defender (HRD) to be one who risks or suffers victimization, harassment or disadvantage for exercising the rights expressed in the International Bill of Rights, and who, in conformity with these instruments, promotes and protects the human rights and fundamental freedoms of others, individually or in groups.”

The selection of the winning candidates is made by the Jury of the Martin Ennals Foundation. The announcement of the nominees is made around mid March and that of the laureates is made in early May. The proceedings of the Jury of the MEA are confidential and no correspondence about the selection procedure will be accepted.

The deadline to submit nominations is 9 December 2012.

For more information, visit this link: http://www.martinennalsaward.org/index.php?option=com_rsform&view=rsform&Itemid=65&lang=en