During his winter visit to Greece, Michael O’Flaherty, the Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights, visited Roma settlements and held meetings with relevant ministers, associations, community representatives, and the Greek Ombudsman. Specifically, he visited Tsairia in the Municipality of Thermaikos, Agia Sofia and Dendropotamos in Thessaloniki, and the Municipality of Chalandri in Athens.

In his memorandum, the Commissioner acknowledged the adoption of the National Strategy for the Social Integration of Roma (2021-2030) as a positive step. However, he raised concerns about:

• The deplorable housing conditions in these areas, where access to electricity and running water is often nonexistent.

• The discrimination Roma face, including incidents of police violence, especially in the wake of the deaths of Kostas Fragoulis and Nikos Sampanis in 2023.

He urges the implementation of effective and immediate solutions, in collaboration with municipalities and Roma communities, and the adoption of measures that will bring tangible change.

In recent years, the economic crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, the energy crisis, the impact of climate change, and the decline in demand for traditional Roma occupations have all contributed to the exclusion of Roma from the labor market. This has led to increased unemployment, marginalization, and social exclusion, which in turn limits access to primary healthcare, education, and employment—further deepening the cycle of poverty and reinforcing prejudices and racism.

SolidarityNow, through its Solidarity Centers in Athens and Thessaloniki, has offered free services to hundreds of Roma in need—and continues to do so. Since 2021, the organization has worked with municipalities and Roma support centers across Greece (including Thessaloniki, Katerini, Xanthi, Amfissa, Karditsa and more), as well as with schools, Roma associations, and NGOs. It has implemented empowerment initiatives, educational seminars, skill development workshops, and mentoring programs focusing especially on women, children, and adolescents.

Additionally, SolidarityNow participates in the National Partnership of the Roma Civil Monitor 2021–2025, which monitors the implementation of the National Strategy for Roma. The organization is also a member of two of the largest European networks working with Roma communities.

We strongly believe that education is the key to change—a belief reflected in one of SolidarityNow’s strategic objectives: Inclusive Education. Through our programs, we aim to connect Roma communities with schools, highlight mentors and positive role models, promote parental engagement in school life, and position education as a top priority for Roma children. Every step forward must work toward eliminating school dropout and ensuring that Roma youth are given the tools and opportunities to complete their education. At the same time, these programs raise awareness and promote outreach to the wider public.

The most recent project of SolidarityNow focused on Roma was “Jaf Anglal! Empowering school participation of Roma children”, completed in January 2025. Implemented in collaboration with REVMA NGO as part of the BUILD program (Building a robust and democratic civic space), this project aimed to advance the fundamental right to education.

Source: Συμβούλιο της Ευρώπης: «Καμπανάκι» στην Ελλάδα για τη διαβίωση των Ρομά