According to various economists and other experts, a global economic recession is underway, possibly the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. Some have hypothesised that Roma, as the most marginalised and economically disadvantaged community of Europe, will disproportionately experience the effects of the economic crisis both in terms of economics and, more widely, respect for human rights. Nationalist and/or racist movements appeared to be on the rise before the eruption of the global economic crisis and far right political parties have been scoring high in the polls across Europe, as evidenced during the 2008 general elections in Austria and Italy. Moreover, far right politics are entering the mainstream discourse through populist rhetoric absorbed into centrist parties’ speech and policy making. There is growing concern that the deteriorating economic situation in Europe may push right leaning segments of the population to lash out in increasingly extreme ways against Romani communities, with growing segments of the general public sympathising with nationalist or racist groups, actions and policies. Recent events in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Italy are already sounding alarm bells.

In this issue of Roma Rights, the ERRC seeks submissions which reflect on and seek to provide answers to questions like:

. Is there a link between the global economic downturn and the perceived rise of nationalist or racist politics, policies and actions against Roma in Europe?

. Is there a rise in the popularity of nationalist or racist political parties, figures or policies and what is the cause and impact?

. What is the likely impact of the global economic crisis on Romani communities in Europe?

. Can the track records of European governments to address the disadvantaged economic and social situation of Roma be seen to have influenced the current situation?

. Would targeted governmental investment in improving the economic situation of Roma tangibly change or impact Europe’s deteriorated economic situation and how?

. What, if any, differences are there in the dynamics of violence and rhetoric against Roma before and after the global economic downturn?

. Does the media influence, positively or negatively, the experiences of Roma in these times?

. What response by the European Union, other intergovernmental institutions or national governments is needed or appropriate?

Submissions addressing the theme from other perspectives are also welcome. Specific country situations may be explored.

Process

Full articles must be submitted to the ERRC by 1 May 2009. All submissions will be reviewed by a committee of ERRC staff members who will make the final selection of articles for publication.

Please send queries and submissions to the Coordinating Editor of Roma Rights, Sinan Gokcen: sinan.gokcen@errc.org.

Submission guidelines

All submissions and accompanying materials must be written in British English.

Submissions must be in electronic form and accompanied by any relevant graphics or pictures. Submissions must follow the ERRC Style Sheet.

The length of submissions should not exceed 6,000 words for articles and 2,500 words for other items (e.g. book reviews or conference reports), inclusive of footnotes.

Footnote referencing should be utilised. Submissions with bibliographical referencing will be sent back to authors for revision.

All contributions must be original, previously unpublished material.

The ERRC reserves the right to refuse publication of submissions at any point prior to the publication of the Journal.

Background

The ERRC is an international public interest law organisation engaging in a range of activities to combat anti-Romani racism and human rights abuse of Roma. The approach of the ERRC involves strategic litigation, international advocacy, research and policy development, and human rights training of Romani activists.

Roma Rights is the ERRC’s flagship journal. Published since 1996, Roma Rights has provided a forum for critical discussion of some of the most important human rights concerns of Roma in Europe. The journal is widely distributed in Europe and highly respected as a resource in this field. Each issue of Roma Rights is dedicated to a specific theme. All issues of Roma Rights are available on the ERRC website.