National Advisory Board on Romani Affairs

The task of the Advisory Board on Romani Affairs is to enhance the equal participation of the Roma population in the Finnish society, to improve their living conditions and socio-economic position and to promote their culture.

The Advisory Board

• monitors the development of the social participation and living conditions of the Roma in order to promote equality
• by taking initiative and making proposals, improves the social and economic postion and promote the culture and employment of the Roma population
• works to eliminate discrimination
• promotes the Romani language and culture
• takes part in Nordic and other international cooperation in order to improve the position of the Roma
• provides statements on the position of the Roma for other authorities and organisations, and provide expert statements for example concerning how Finland follows the relevant international agreements

The National Advisory Board on Romani Affairs

The Advisory Board functions in conjunction with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.

Task of the Advisory Board on Romani Affairs is to enhance the equal participation of the Roma population in the Finnish society, to improve their living conditions and socio-economic position and to promote their culture. Its work includes cooperation and expert help in matters involving the Roma and the authorities in Finland.

The Government appointed the first Advisory Board on Romani Affairs in 1989, but its work actually began in 1956 under the name Advisory Board on Gypsy Affairs.

The Government appoints the Advisory Board for three years at a time. The Advisory Board includes a chairperson, a vice-chairperson and a maximum of 16 other members.

Half of the members represent the Roma population; the other half represent the administrative sectors of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Education and Culture, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, Ministry of the Environment, and the Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities.

The Advisory Board convenes about 5-6 times per year. The work section prepares matters to be brought up at meetings. Every year the Advisory Board organises seminars, to which both authorities and representatives of the Roma population are invited.

The seminars deal with current themes of development included in the annual action plan of the Advisory Board. The Advisory Board has long been involved in european, international and Nordic cooperation.

Contact

Ministry of Social Affairs and Health
Advisory Board on Romani Affairs
P.O. BOX 33
FI-00023 GOVERNMENT
FINLAND

LinkedIn: STM/Romanipolitiikka, Romaniasiain neuvottelukunta RONK
Instagram: @romaniasiain_neuvottelukunta