Roma policy
For centuries, the Roma have experienced repression and discrimination in Finland and elsewhere in Europe. Discrimination is prohibited in the Non-Discrimination Act. In Finland, it was not until after the Second World War that the Roma were recognised as an ethnic group whose living conditions should be improved.
Domestic welfare policy and cooperation between the Roma and the authorities have promoted the well-being of the Roma. This has been seen in
- improved housing conditions for the Roma
- participation in early childhood education and care and pre-primary education
- a rising level of education.
In relation to the change in Roma policy, the most crucial thing has been the increased societal activity and agency of the Roma.
Cooperation between European countries is needed to improve the status of the Roma elsewhere. The status of the Roma as a discriminated minority living in Europe is contrary to international human rights treaties. Both the Council of Europe and the EU are working to promote the rights and status of the Roma in Europe.
Roma policy programme
The purpose of Roma policy is to increase equality for the Roma population and to reduce employment and health inequalities in relation to the rest of the population. The European Commission has set education, employment, health and housing as the priorities of the Roma strategy.
A key principle for the new National Policy on Roma 2018–2022 (Rompo) is that current legislation should promote the equality and inclusion of the Roma population.
In addition to the needs of Finland's traditional Roma population, the programme also takes into account the needs of foreigners or mobile Roma living in Finland on a temporary or long-term basis.
Key objectives of the National Policy on Roma in Finland (Rompo):
- Improve the vocational education level and employment rate of the Roma population through the inclusion and activity of the Roma population.
- Support the development and preservation of the Roma culture.
- Combat anti-Roma sentiment, discrimination and hate speech.
- Utilise versatile reporting and monitoring tools to monitor the implementation of the National Policy on Roma.
- Actively participate in international work supporting the Roma and in the monitoring and evaluation of projects.
The steering and monitoring group appointed by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health coordinates the implementation of Rompo. The group includes representatives of national and regional Advisory Boards for Roma Affairs and representatives of ministries, research institutes and Roma organisations.
