Applications Open for the Roma Rights Summer School 2025

18 June 2025

The European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC) is now accepting applications for the Roma Rights Summer School 2025, a highly respected training programme designed to support and inspire the next generation of Romani human rights defenders. The training will take place in Athens between 4 and 12 September 2025. 

What is it?

The main goal of the Summer School is to engage and develop a new generation of Romani human rights activists to use international, regional, and domestic human rights instruments and mechanisms to advance the rights of Roma, and to combat racism and discrimination from grassroots to governmental levels.

The Summer School is organised for young activists and students of Romani, Sinti, and Traveller origin from all European countries.¹ The programme offers an introduction to a human rights approach, providing the basic skills for participants to become human rights activists. Starting with a grounding in historical persecution and linking Europe’s history of antigypsyism with modern rights violations, the Summer School curriculum focuses on a rights-based approach to activism. It offers participants a chance to immerse themselves in the theory and practice of human rights, minority rights, and non-discrimination, to gain practical skills, and benefit from the knowledge and experience of committed human rights experts. 

The Summer School also serves as a forum for the exchange of ideas, innovation, and expertise for participants who are at an early stage in their careers, which will allow participants to network with each other. Many alumni of the ERRC Roma Rights Summer School have gone on to become experts in their field, researchers, professionals, and dedicated activists working to improve the situation of Romani people across Europe.

Supporting young activists to defend the rights of their communities is one of the most important jobs we do at the ERRC. We are thrilled to be able to offer this opportunity once again and are proud to support the development of a new generation of dedicated human rights professionals who are needed now more than ever.

Who should apply? 

• As this training aims to provide opportunities for Romani, Sinti, and Traveller activists from Europe, applicants must belong to one of the ethnic groups listed at the bottom of this call. 
• Applicants should have a good command of English and be passionate about human rights.
• Applicants should bring with them a human rights issue to discuss and find solutions to challenge. 

We Especially Encourage Applications from:

• University students, recent graduates, and also activists who have not completed or are not currently in formal higher education but have several years of relevant work experience.
• Particular importance is given to the participation of Romani women, as well as people who identify as Romani LGBTIQ+ or people belonging to other groups who are at risk of intersectional discrimination.

How to apply? 

Fill out the application form here.

Deadline: 9 July 2025, 23:59 CET

The costs for participants’ travel, accommodation in shared rooms of 2 or 3 persons, and all meals will be entirely covered by the ERRC. 

Due to the expected high number of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.  We aim to contact preselected applicants within 15 days of the application deadline. If you have not been contacted by us in this time, you should consider your application to be unsuccessful. Those who are preselected should expect a short, informal interview at the end of July 2025 before a final selection is made. 
__________
[1] The ERRC will accept applications from anyone belonging to one of the following ethnic identities, collectively referred to as ‘Roma’ by the Council of Europe (despite encompassing multiple ethnic groups): Roma, Sinti, Manouche, Calé, Kale, Romanichal, Romany Gypsy, Gitanos, Bayash, Rudari, Traveller, Yenish, Gens du voyage, Balkan Egyptian, Ashkali, Abdal, Dom, Lom.