Roma MATRIX (Mutual Action Targeting Racism Intolerance and Xenophobia)
This was a European project that aimed to combat racism, intolerance and xenophobia towards Roma and to increase integration, through a programme of action across Europe. Roma MATRIX was a partnership of 20 organisations in ten European Union Member States. The project was a two-year piece of work that completed in March 2015. It was co-funded by the European Union’s Fundamental Rights and Citizenship Programme.
It consisted of a cross-sector partnership including: local and regional authorities, non-governmental organisations, the private sector and two universities. The partnership included Roma-led organisations and Roma staff working in other organisations to shape the direction of the work.
The University of Salford in partnership with the University of York conducted a research project with the wider project which investigated how Roma inclusion and integration policies were being operationalised and delivered on the ground in ten EU Member States. The research focused on four key areas of policy and practice. These were:
- Reporting and redress mechanisms for tackling anti-Gypsyism
- Roma children in the care system
- Employment; and
- Cross community relations and mediation.
In addition to the European wide research project, the research team coordinated:
- A UK stakeholder seminar series: bringing together academics, local authorities, policy makersand civil society organisations working with Roma to learn and share best practice.
- A Mentoring Project: enabling two young Roma living in Greater Manchester to gain new skills and experience by carrying out a research project in their community.
- A photography project: involving Roma participants to challenge negative perceptions of Roma and to promote positive images of Roma culture
Full list of partners involved were:
- Bulgaria: Association National Network of Health Mediators; Association of Young Psychologists in Bulgaria; and, Regional Administration of Varna.
- Czech Republic; IQ Roma Service, Civic Association.
- Greece: Action Synergy SA.
- Hungary: Former State Fostered Children’s Association; and Roma Civic Association Wheel of Future Public Utility Foundation.
- Italy: Bologna Municipality Emilia Romagna Region.
- Poland: Roma Cultural and Community Association.
- Romania: Roma Women Association in Romania.
- Slovakia: Society of Friends of Children from Children’s Homes Smile as a Gift.
- Spain: Maranatha Federation of Gypsy Associations.
- United Kingdom:
Glasgow City Council
Migration Yorkshire [Leeds City Council] – lead partner
Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council
Social Marketing Gateway Ltd
University of Salford
University of York
Principle Investigator and Co-investigators: Professor Philip Brown, Dr Lisa Scullion and Phil Martin
Funder: European Union’s Fundamental Rights and Citizenship Programme