Roma Rights Network Open for Membership Applications

16 January 2026

Roma face discrimination unimaginable in the lives of most Europeans. The ERRC supports Roma to fight antigypsyism in and out of court, through strategic litigation, advocacy, and media engagement. None of this work would be possible without strong partnerships with international, national, or local organisations that mobilise Roma to fight back against injustice.

In 2021 we formed a network of Associate Members of such organisations working on Roma Rights activism. This network advises and works with the ERRC, and with each other, to try to impact the European sphere in a coordinated manner.

Why? At a time when fundamental freedoms and rights are under sustained attack on our continent, and beyond, it is imperative that like-minded activists work closely with those who are active at national and local levels in other countries to mobilise Romani people to exercise their rights. Organisations who are associate members in the ERRC Roma Rights Network form a sustainable, long-term relationship with the ERRC and each other. They share opportunities and challenges, and act in solidarity with their fellow activists as a bulwark against rising fascism and the global diminishing of the rights-based consensus.

Who are we looking for?  We would like to work with registered non-profits or individual activists that are:

• Working nationally or on a smaller geographic scale.
• Working to challenge human rights issues faced by Romani people.
• Willing to work with the ERRC and others on a European level.

What will we do together?

• Meet as regularly as is practicable (in person or electronically) for discussions, coordination, trainings, or other events.
• Work together to bring new strategic legal cases.
• Engage online and offline activists.
• Launch advocacy and communications campaigns.
• Participate in research where necessary to support legal action.
• Seek funding for joint projects.

What are members’ rights and responsibilities? Associate network members must agree terms of reference with the ERRC. In general, members are expected to:

• Attend meetings.
• Propose ideas for joint projects or requests for collaboration.
• Carry out human rights activism and actions in solidarity rather than competition with other members and the ERRC.

In addition:

• The ERRC will fund participation in network events.
• There will be no membership fees.
• Under our statues, associate members are not responsible for governance issues, so there is no need to vote or attend governance-related meetings of the ERRC.
• Associate Members can leave the ERRC Roma Rights Network at any time with no strings attached.

How to apply? If you are interested in working with us, send an email to edmond.makasci@errc.org by 23:59 on 20th February 2026 with the following information:

• Details about your organisation (please attached your statutes or a link to them – don’t worry if they are in a language other than English). Please send a CV or portfolio if you are applying as an individual activist.
• Around 500 words telling us what you / your organisation does
• Around 500 words telling us what interests you about joining the ERRC Roma Rights Network.
• A link to your website, if you have one, or your social media pages.
• Any other information you want to send us.

Whilst we are excited to use this opportunity to formalise relationships with organisations that we work with, we still remain flexible and will continue to work with any human rights organisations who care about improving Romani lives (members or not).

We will respond to all applicants, successful or otherwise. Once we’ve reviewed applications, a decision will be made by the ERRC’s management and communicated to you.