The Tom Lantos Institute has been a partner organisation of the National Democratic Institute in planning and implementing an 18 month program, titled Breaking down Barriers.

The program aims to equip Roma and pro-Roma activists in Hungary, Romania and Slovakia with the capacity to conduct targeted issue-based advocacy.

Approximately 10 rural municipalities are included in each of the three countries, from which 4-6 locally active Roma and non-Roma have been selected to participate in issue-based advocacy trainings. Some of the most motivated participants were selected to go through a training of trainers so that the knowledge they had gained can be multiplied locally and regionally. Local groups get support in developing and conducting community advocacy campaigns, the results of which they can share at regional, national and international level meetings.

TLI, as a partner organisation in Hungary, is responsible for securing maximum and meaningful participation of Roma actors through the selection of the localities and actors that take part in the trainings; the design of the trainings including the recruitment of trainers; and the design and implementation of the regional meetings. TLI has recruited a Roma fellow who works as project officer and established an advisory group composed primarily of qualified Roma activists, and community organisers who understand the situation of Roma grassroots activism in Hungary.

For the short description of each program activity and pictures, please visit the Facebook page of Breaking down Barriers Hungary.

As part of our joint project with the National Democratic Institute (NDI) entitled Breaking Down Barriers, TLI organised a study trip to Brussels between 8-12 December for eight program participants from Romania, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Hungary.

Local community organisers had the chance to get an insight into the work of different EU institutions, such as the European Parliament, the European Commission or the Committee of the Regions. MEPs from their own countries and ones who focus on Roma-related issues in their work helped them get a better understanding of policy-making. In addition, they had discussions with representatives of international institutions, NGOs and networks, such as the World Bank, the European Roma Grassroots Organisations’ Network or the European Roma Integration Office.

Discussions evolved around the decision-making processes on the European level, and in what ways grassroots organisations may influence the policy making process. Participants of the study trip left Brussels with a deeper understanding of EU politics, and with useful contacts.