Policies

The Polish government adopted a programme for the integration of the Roma community for the years 2014 - 2020. The Roma are the only ethnic minority at risk of social exclusion, according to the authors of the programme, prepared in the department of administration and digitalization. Therefore, the main objective of the programme is to increase the level of social inclusion of the Roma in Poland through actions in the field of education (including cultural, historical and civic), professional activation, healthcare and housing conditions. The programme is not an emergency assistance in a difficult situation, but it aims to develop mechanisms that will allow for a lasting improvement in Roma's socio-economic situation.

 

The programme speaks of the "integration" of the Roma. The authors understand this term as helping the Roma to acquire the social skills that will help them use their rights. They argue that the integration process should not be confused with the phenomenon of assimilation. Integration is understood as "maintaining the cultural identity while taking advantage of the opportunities offered by the modern world".

The programme aims to give the Minister responsible for religious denominations and national and ethnic minorities (ie, currently the head of the MAC) the possibility of providing support to local governments, who will make efforts to increase the integration of their Roma population. The Minister will also be able to assist Roma and non-Roma NGOs and other institutions and entities "who are not indifferent to the situation of the Roma in Poland".

 

References:

• Onet.wiadomości, Rządowy program na rzecz integracji społecznej [online], Polska [2014], available at: http://wiadomosci.onet.pl/kraj/rzad-przyjal-program-na-rzecz-integracji-romow/zewgd