Romani People
Jekhipe
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Our world has witnessed many historical injustices against the Roma: from the tragic Romani Holocaust and restricted rights to the lack of Romani representation in the arts and the absence of Romani history in education. The international Jekhipe project uses the principles of transitional justice to revisit painful moments in Romani history, aiming to address them and restore dignity to the Romani people. Additionally, it focuses on dismantling the systemic barriers that Roma face in their daily lives.
- "Reclaiming our Past, Rebuilding our Future: New Approaches to Combating Antigypsyism" is the official title of the Jekhipe project.
- The project is a collaboration between international Romani organizations ERGO and ERIAC, the CEPS center, and eight national Romani and pro-Romani NGOs, including Slovo 21 from the Czech Republic.
- The project runs from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2026.
Systemic barriers
Together with our international team, we aim to examine key systemic barriers that prevent the Roma from achieving equality and justice. To identify them, we will focus on research and advocacy, such as lobbying and awareness-raising. The expert team at Slovo 21 will propose policy measuresthat address antigypsyism, including its institutional forms, and support the integration of the Romani community into mainstream society. The project also aims to empower Romani communities and NGOsso they can more actively combat antigypsyism and defend the rights of the Roma in society.
Historical injustices
We will address the lack of recognition of historical injustices against Roma to strengthen their identity and restore their dignity. We will examine the wrongs that occurred in our history through the lens of transitional justice. This is a process that focuses on coming to terms with the past by striving for truth, reconciliation, and redress for victims. It includes steps such as documenting and investigating past events, advocating for victims' rights, and ensuring that similar injustices do not happen again. Through this approach, we can restore the dignity and rights of those who have been affected.
In addition, we will focus on promoting Roma history and culture as a means of preventing and combating antigypsyism. On the occasion of significant days in Roma history, such as International Roma Language Day or Roma Holocaust Memorial Day, we will launch information campaignson social media to bring Roma history closer to the general public.
Who exactly is involved in the project?
The main coordinators of Jekhipe are the ERGO Network, a European network of local Roma organizations currently bringing together more than 30 organizations from across Europe, and ERIAC, the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture. The project also involves the independent European think tank CEPS, which will lead research and publish findings. Slovo 21 acts as a project partner at the national level.
Jekhipe is a continuation of the successful project "Chachipen – Path to Truth and Reconciliation for Addressing Antigypsyism in Europe" and is funded by the European Commission under the Citizens, Equality, Rights, and Values Programme (CERV).
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
Výzkumná zpráva
Research Report: Anti-Gypsyism in the Czech Republic, 2025
This report analyzes anti-Gypsyism in the former Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic, tracing its roots from the 19th century to the present day. It examines recent efforts to make anti-Gypsyism socially unacceptable and to integrate its historical context into the educational and institutional framework of the Czech Republic. The author is Gwendolyn Albert, an independent consultant and researcher focusing on human rights issues, particularly the history, rights, and inclusion of Roma in the Czech Republic and beyond. The report was produced as part of the Jekhipe project, funded by the European Union.
“We will not be silent.” How Jekhipe has advanced the fight against anti-Gypsyism in the Czech Republic
How do we deal with the injustices of the past? Where can we find justice and achieve true redress? Slovo 21 has joined the international Jekhipe project, which openly addressed the injustices that Roma people still have to face today. The Romani Holocaust, school segregation, discrimination, violence, and the long-term disregard for the rights of the Romani community.
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Antigypsyism in the Czech Republic is not a thing of the past. It persists in institutions and politics, new research shows
Anti-Gypsyism is deeply rooted in the Czech Republic and has persisted throughout historical periods—from the First Republic through the communist regime to the present day. This is shown by a new research report from the Centre for European Policy Studies and the Slovo 21 association. The document proposes several legislative and social changes as solutions.
"Romani children are experiencing the same frustration my grandfather felt a hundred years ago." – With Jana Horváthová on the need to talk about the Romani experience
Jana Horváthová, a historian, ethnographer, and director of the Museum of Romani Culture in Brno, has traveled a long road toward self-acceptance. Her famous family tradition led her to take an interest in both her own family history and the history of all Roma. In this interview, she opens up about her own upbringing and calls for a change in how we learn about Romani history.