CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS - Roma Rights: The Global Economic Crisis and the Rising Profile of Nationalist and/or Racist Political Movements

20 March 2009

The European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC) seeks articles and other submissions (book reviews, interviews with key figures and conference reports) from a broad range of disciplines addressing the impact of nationalist and/or racist politics and the global economic crisis on the human rights situation of Romani communities in Europe.

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: