International Romani Day - 8 April 2022
International Romani Day is a celebration of Romani people, culture, and history. It is also a day to highlight the prejudice and discrimination faced by Romani people around the world, both historically and in the present.
BASW and SWU are proud to support International Romani Day and stand with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities around the world.
BASW UK statement on anti-Gypsyism and Gypsy, Roma and Traveller rights
Today BASW UK is releasing a statement outlining our commitment to actively tackling racism and discrimination against Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people (anti-Gypsyism) - and promoting their human and social rights, primarily in UK context:
'Collectively, as a profession, we must acknowledge the existence of racism and discrimination towards Romani and Traveller people and take positive action to dismantle it'
"On International Romani Day 2022 I am heartened to see two key events which support our emancipation and further the rights of all Romani and Traveller people in the UK," said Allison Hulmes, BASW Cymru National Director.
"The first is the launch of the BASW special interest group on social work with Romani and Traveller people. This group will play a key role in educating social workers about our diverse communities and will be central to transforming social work practice.
"The second is the launch of the BASW statement on anti-Gypsyism which sends a clear and unambiguous message about how collectively, as a profession, we must acknowledge the existence of racism and discrimination towards Romani and Traveller people and take positive action to dismantle it. On this important day for all Romani and Traveller people, we send solidarity and support to Roma people fleeing the war in Ukraine – Opre Roma!"
Further BASW/SWU statements and resources:
- BASW and SWU oppose Part 4 of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill
- BASW Cymru: Response to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts (PCSC) Bill
- BASW briefs policymakers on anti-GRT proposals ahead of next stage of Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill
- Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month: a time for reflection and solidarity
- Social workers write to Priti Patel opposing inhumane Police Bill that discriminates against Romani and Traveller families
- Human rights of Romani and Traveller communities under threat as Police Bill goes through House of Lords
- Labour Lords vote against Police Bill measures after BASW UK intervention
- Police Bill: BASW UK receives response from Home Office on unauthorised encampments guidance
- BASW blog: 'Part 4 of the Police Bill... Echoes of the Porrajmos?'
- BASW Cymru's Briefing for Senedd Members on Part 4 of the Police Bill
- Blog: Roma Holocaust Memorial Day - Remembering Victims of the Porrajmos
- Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Social Work Association responds to Independent Review of Children's Social Care 'Case for Change' report
Resources and information for social workers:
We are also sharing information and resources for social workers who also want to show their support on International Romani Day 2022:
- Online event - Launch of the Social Work with Romani and Traveller Communities Special Interest Group (April 8 at 12pm)
- Webinar - Anti-Racism and Gender Equality: Global Gains, Targeted Backlashes (Central European University)
- Video - 'Proud Roma' by Pablo Vega
- Exhibition - The Romani Cultural and Arts Company (RCAC) at Art Central Gallery