The Decade of Roma Inclusion 2005–2015 is an unprecedented political commitment by European governments to eliminate discrimination against Roma and close the unacceptable gaps between Roma and the rest of society. The Decade focuses on the priority areas of education, employment, health, and housing, and commits governments to take into account the other core issues of poverty, discrimination, and gender mainstreaming.

The Decade is an international initiative that brings together governments, intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations, as well as Romani civil society.

The twelve countries currently taking part in the Decade are Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia and Spain. Slovenia and the United States have observer status.

The Decade of Roma Inclusion 2005-2015 operates according to Decade’s Terms of Reference. Principle operational elements of the Decade are: National Action Plans, policy coordination, exchange of experiences, revision and demonstration of progress, participation of Roma and provision of information and expert support.

The Decade of Roma Inclusion 2005-2015 is not another new institution, bureaucracy, or fund. Participating governments must reallocate resources to achieve results, also aligning their plans with funding instruments of multinational, international, and bilateral donors.

More information on Decade at: http://www.romadecade.org/