National Action Plan „Roma in Latvia” 2007 – 2009

The National Action Plan „Roma in Latvia” is the first duration period of the state policy paper and action plan in the period of 2007 – 2009.

The National Action Plan „Roma in Latvia” is the first duration period of the state policy paper and action plan in the period of 2007 – 2009.

The National Action Plan is a mid – term policy paper for the period of three years. It has been drafted in the context of various international and EU – level documents, its directives and decisions are made and supported by the Government of Latvia as Member of the European Union. The draft was prepared according to the major aims and principles of the Directive 2000/43/EC and Directive 2000/78/EC and Framework Convention for the Protection of Ethnic Minorities with using all positive experience and practices for Roma integration.
To strengthen Roma integration, social, political and economic inclusion into Latvian society, the main tasks to be accomplished are defined in three main areas: education, human rights and anti discrimination policy and employment.
According to data on Roma, there are approx. 8500 Roma in Latvia, 26 out of them have acquired BA diploma and all illiterate of Latvia, 855 adults, are Roma. The above mentioned situation shaped the following aims in the field of education:  system of pre-school education must be strengthened, opportunity for returning into education system any stage has to be available;  the  Education Law has to be enforced in order to motivate Roma parents to ensure stable and continuous education for their children. Further more, by implementing inclusive principles all separate, ethnic clean classes must close down.
The National Action plan will be supported by the state budget on annual basis). Additional financial support will be provided by international cooperation, such as project „Latvia – equal in diversity” (LED), supported by European Commission and campaign “For Diversity – against Discrimination