In cooperation with HELP, Europe House is marking International Roma Day with a Campaign titled “Local Heroes.”
“A local hero is always there to help, even if the call comes in the middle of the night; someone who inspires and gives their best for the local community and beyond.” This is how Ibrahim Tatari from Podgorica describes the role of RE mediators in the community.
Ibrahim is one of 21 mediators who work daily to improve the lives of the RE community and facilitate access to fundamental rights.
“Whether by ensuring access to social and healthcare services or providing support in securing employment, for two years, these dedicated young people have been actively helping members of the RE community exercise their fundamental rights, with the support of HELP and the European Union. In its third year, support came from the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights,” said Dijana Anđelić, Director of HELP Montenegro.
However, their work goes far beyond this, Dijana emphasises.
“They are truly there to provide support for anything members of the Roma community need. We can say that they have become an indispensable support system for the community and local institutions,” added Dijana Anđelić.
On the other hand, representatives of institutions also support their work.
“I am proud of the mediators and their efforts in encouraging the Roma population in Montenegro,” stated Sokolj Beganaj, Head of the Department for the Advancement and Protection of Roma and Egyptian Rights at the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights.
RE mediators enhance the everyday lives of the RE community, contributing to improved social inclusion and access to fundamental rights.
“I wanted to be a bridge between institutions and my community. I knew how difficult it is when people do not know their rights when they feel invisible and misunderstood,” said Minira Delija, a health protection RE mediator from Nikšić.
The mediators received training through a HELP programme funded by the European Union.
“I strive every day to do my best, helping people understand their rights and mediating in resolving their issues,” emphasised Suad Bejtović, an RE mediator from Ulcinj.
“Being the voice of those often unheard and providing support to those facing obstacles – that is the path to making the community a better and fairer place for everyone,” Bejtović added.
In addition to members of the Roma and Egyptian communities, RE mediators also include individuals from the majority population, such as Milica Vujadinović, who has gained great trust within the community.
Sebastijan Baftijari, an RE mediator for social inclusion, highlighted the crucial role of dialogue in improving the status of the RE community.
“When you end the day knowing you have helped someone, that you have made a change or initiated something positive, that is when you realise the true purpose of your engagement,” concluded Baftijari.
In collaboration with HELP, Europe House is marking International Roma Day through the “Local Heroes“ campaign, dedicated to RE mediators who have become a bridge between the Roma community and institutions in social protection, healthcare, and employment.