In understanding the interdependencies of human rights and social protection mechanisms, it is important to sustain intersectoral synergies and maintain co-operation, coordination and policy coherence in Roma and Traveller inclusion.


The Roma and Travellers Team encourages both line ministries at national level and other Council of Europe sectors to mainstream Roma and Travellers’ concerns. It is part of the terms of reference of the Ad Hoc Committee of Experts on Roma and Traveller Issues (CAHROM) to review the implementation of national Roma and/or Traveller integration strategies and action plans, exchange experience and identify - through thematic visits - good practices. Despite some notable progress with Roma and Traveller integration policies at different levels, these communities continue to face multiple and inter-related discrimination in accessing various services. The economic and financial crises, as well as the increasing populism in Europe, have aggravated the situation further, and Roma and Travellers’ impoverishment, social exclusion, segregation and discrimination continue in various thematic or geographical areas. It is therefore imperative for member states to adopt comprehensive Roma and/or Traveller policies, empower these communities and enhance their participation in decision-making, as well as to maintain an explicit but not exclusively targeting approach vis-à-vis social inclusion and human rights protection.

Policy/Strategy development and implementation

Host country in bold