Romania PA

National Research Task: Discrimination and Inclusion in Romania

As part of the Erasmus+ Youth Exchange CACAT – Culture and Creative Arts as Tools in Non-Formal Education for Inclusion, the Romanian team carried out an insightful national research task on discrimination and inclusion in Romania. Their work explores key issues affecting marginalized groups such as the Romani community, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities, supported by real-life statistics and documented cases. The research also highlights the transformative role of youth-led activism and artistic expression—such as murals, street art, theatre, and podcasts—in challenging stereotypes and promoting equality. This foundational work aims to inform the project's creative workshops and deepen participants' understanding of social justice through non-formal education.

1. Real-Life Cases and Data on Discrimination

Romani Minority Discrimination

- The Romani community faces systemic exclusion in education, employment, and housing.
- Statistics:
- Education: Over 60% of Romani children attend segregated or substandard schools (UNICEF, 2023).
- Employment: Only 28% of Romani adults have formal employment (World Bank, 2022).
- Housing: 45% experience housing discrimination (EU Fundamental Rights Agency, 2022).
- Case Study: In Baia Mare, Romani families were forcibly evicted without proper relocation, violating human rights (Amnesty International, 2021).

LGBTQ+ Discrimination

- Romania remains conservative, with LGBTQ+ individuals facing legal and social challenges.
- Key Issues:
- No legal recognition of same-sex partnerships.
- Violent attacks at Bucharest Pride (e.g., far-right groups disrupting marches in 2022).
- Progress: In 2023, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Romania must recognize same-sex couples.

Disability Inclusion

- Many public spaces and transport systems remain inaccessible.
- Statistics:
- Only 24% of public buildings are fully wheelchair-accessible (ActiveWatch, 2023).
- Case Study: In 2021, activist Nicusor Dan protested in a wheelchair to highlight Bucharest's poor infrastructure.

2. How Art and Youth Initiatives Address Discrimination

Art as a Tool for Social Change

- Murals and Public Art:
- Timisoara's "Romani Holocaust" mural raises awareness about Romani persecution during WWII.
- Bucharest street art challenges stereotypes about marginalized groups.
- Theater and Film:
- "SUB25 Festival" features plays and films by young artists on inclusion and human rights.
- One World Romania (documentary festival) highlights discrimination stories.

Youth-Led Activism

- Romani CRISS: Organizes leadership programs for Roma youth to combat prejudice.
- Accept Association: Conducts anti-bullying workshops in schools to support LGBTQ+ students.
- "Fără Zahăr" Podcast: Young activists discuss racism, ableism, and gender equality.

3. Good Practices and Local Heroes Fighting Discrimination

Inspiring Individuals

- Claudia Greta (Maramureș): A Romani teacher who promotes intercultural education in schools.
- Vlad Viski (Bucharest): Founder of MozaiQ, providing shelter for homeless LGBTQ+ youth.
- Anda Serban (Cluj): Executive director fighting for disability rights through the CeRe Center.

Successful Programs and Policies

- "Ombudsman for Equality": A government body where citizens can report discrimination.
- "Unlock Potential" (ING Bank): A corporate initiative hiring Roma and disabled individuals.
- "School Without Racism": A national program promoting diversity in classrooms.