Cafè del Camp is holding its first Participatory Spaces for Democratic Innovation in Reus.

Cafè del Camp is holding its first Participatory Spaces for Democratic Innovation in Reus.

The Llevant Civic Centre and the Reus Women's Centre hosted the first two sessions of the Cafè del Camp project.

The first sessions of the Cafè del Camp project, held in Reus on 26 March and 7 May 2026, have left a profound mark on all those who took part. More than mere meetings, they have been spaces of shared life, where more than thirty migrants, refugees and racialised people have put words and emotion to realities often silenced.

Organised by La Fragua Projects, with the collaboration of the Reus City Council and organisations such as Reus Circ Social, Reus Refugi, H2O LGTBI+, the United Arab Palestinian Association of Tarragona and the Madre Tierra Association, the project also has the support of the Department of Social Rights and Inclusion of the Generalitat of Catalonia.

In each session, sixteen people of diverse backgrounds, genders and ages took part to ensure the most heterogeneous representation possible. The sessions were structured into four tables, each facilitated by a different person. At each table a different question was posed, and every twenty minutes participants moved to a new table, allowing them to listen to and share multiple perspectives.

The activity took place in a warm atmosphere, accompanied by coffee and a wonderful snack that helped to create an atmosphere of trust and closeness.

The topics covered have been issues that directly affect the daily lives of migrants: precarious employment, access to housing, access to healthcare, police pressure, cultural appropriation, registration, and how the wars in their countries of origin affect them.

Gazing that understand, silences that embrace

The conversations combined moments of tenderness and complicity with harsh, striking accounts. Particularly harrowing was the testimony of members of the Palestinian community; some voices broke – it wasn't just pain: it was living memory, distant family, fear, sadness, frustration and hope all mixed together.

Despite the harshness of some testimonies, the atmosphere was consistently one of care, respect and community. The facilitators ensured that each table became a small refuge where words could find a place and meaning.

There were also sudden bursts of laughter, small moments of complicity born between people who had never met before. There were silences that were not frightening, because they were shared. There were hands that clasped, eyes that said "me too."

The Camp Café reaffirms the importance of creating participatory spaces where migrants can speak for themselves in the first person, without intermediaries and with the certainty that their experiences have political, social and human value.

These sessions have not only served to share experiences, but also to forge bonds, recognise ourselves in others' stories and build a collective narrative that is often rendered invisible.

All conclusions, visions and opinions will be compiled into a final report, which we will publish to influence the stakeholders.

Source: La Fragua Projects
Photos: La Fragua Projects

Reus is hosting the first Legal Self-Defence Workshop Against Racism

Reus is hosting the first Legal Self-Defence Workshop Against Racism

On 16 April, the Legal Self-Defence Against Racism Workshop was held at the Casal de les Dones in Reus, as part of the Racial Justice and Empowerment 2026 project.

The event, organised by La Fragua Projects, was attended by more than twenty people, including members of the public and representatives from various local organisations working with migrants and/or people of colour, such as Reus Refugi, H2O and the Madre Tierra Association.

The event was organised in collaboration with Reus City Council and with the support of the Department of Social Rights and Inclusion of the Government of Catalonia and the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and the 2030 Agenda.

The workshop was led by Pastora Filigrana García, a lawyer and renowned human rights activist, who began her presentation by addressing racism as a historical and structural reality that remains very much present today, both within institutions and in all aspects of daily life. Using specific examples and case studies, she analysed how the rights of racialised people are violated in the workplace, as well as in access to housing, healthcare and public services. This approach helped participants understand that discrimination is not an isolated phenomenon, but a system that determines opportunities, treatment and expectations.

An anti-racist approach to the lack of reporting

One of the key issues addressed at the workshop was the lack of reporting, shifting the focus from the victims to the barriers that prevent them from exercising their rights as citizens. The various causes and obstacles faced by migrants and/or racialised people in this area were analysed, including, amongst others, a lack of awareness of their own rights, mistrust of institutions, low expectations of redress, and the normalisation of racism. All these factors were identified, highlighting how they interfere with the ability of victims of racism and/or xenophobia to lodge complaints or reports and to demand justice and redress.

Presentation of the RJE 2025 Study Guide

During the session, the RJE 2025 Study-Guide was also presented; this is a highly practical tool designed to facilitate the reporting of acts that violate the right to equal treatment and non-discrimination on racist and/or xenophobic grounds. The document provides clear guidance on the steps to be taken and examples to assist those affected, as well as those supporting them throughout the reporting process, so that they can do so more safely and effectively.

A community space for the defence of rights

This workshop aims to establish itself as a space for collective learning where participants and organisations can share experiences, concerns and strategies to strengthen the defence of the rights of migrants and/or people of colour. The initiative highlights the importance of accessible legal training and community support in combating racism from a holistic perspective.

Source: La Fragua Projects
Photos: La Fragua Projects

Pamplona is hosting a gathering of young Rroma to discuss public policy and self-determination

Pamplona is hosting a gathering of young Rroma to discuss public policy and self-determination

The event, organised as part of the FEIG 2026 project, brought together young people, organisations and institutional stakeholders to analyse the 2021–2030 Strategy from a critical and constructive perspective.

On 25 March, Pamplona hosted the Rroma Youth Meeting at the Amigos Building of the University of Navarra (UNAV), under the title ‘Roma Youth and the 2021–2030 Strategy: From Social Inclusion to Self-Determination’. The event, organised within the framework of the Foro Estratégico Interautonómico Gitano 2026 (FEIG 2026) project, promoted by the organisations Asociación Nacional Presencia Gitana, FAGIC and La Fragua Projects, was consolidated as a key space to place young people at the heart of the debate on rights, public policies and the future of the Rroma People.

The event brought together young people, social organisations, institutional representatives and experts in a shared space for reflection and collective action. From a rights-based perspective, the event provided an opportunity to analyse the progress and limitations of the current National Strategy for Equality, Inclusion and Participation of the Rroma People 2021–2030, focusing on the need to move towards genuine processes of self-determination.

The programme was structured around a series of sessions designed to facilitate both analysis and active participation. The institutional and contextualisation session provided an opportunity to set out the current frameworks of the Strategy and open up a debate on its impact across different regions. Subsequently, the thematic roundtables provided spaces for horizontal dialogue in which participants shared experiences, identified common challenges and formulated concrete proposals regarding the inclusion, equal treatment and self-determination of Roma youth.

One of the key elements of the event was precisely this participatory approach: the proposals were not put forward from outside, but arose directly from the experiences, analyses and priorities expressed by the young people themselves. The meeting concluded with a round-up of conclusions, during which contributions were gathered aimed at transforming public policies from a perspective more closely aligned with the everyday reality of young Roma people.

La Fragua Projects’ involvement in this meeting forms part of its work within the FEIG project, a programme that aims to strengthen the advocacy capacity of the Rromani civil society movement and create spaces for collective analysis of public policies from both a regional and national perspective.

From the organisation of this event, promoted and co-organised by Gaz Kaló, an entity participating in the FEIG project, it was also intended to highlight the role of 16 de Mayo, Juventud Gitana, whose participation brought strength and a generational perspective to the process; the role of the academic research centres of the Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), the Universidad de Navarra (UNAV) and CESPYD; as well as the collaboration of entities and stakeholders that also take part in the project, including Yiló and Unión Romaní Madrid.

Finally, the conclusions of the conference were read out in the Parliament of Navarre during a sitting attended by the highest-ranking institutional representatives, including representatives from all Navarrese parliamentary groups, the President of the Parliament and the President of the Autonomous Community of Navarre. The conclusions were brilliantly read out by two young Rromani women from Navarre, representing all the individuals and organisations that took part in the conference.

Beyond the meeting itself, the day sends a clear message: moving towards equality requires not only inclusive policies, but also recognition of the right of the Rromani People — and especially their young people — to play an active part in shaping their present and their future.

Spaces such as these underscore the importance of continuing to foster collective processes in which young Rroma are not merely the objects of policy, but political actors with a voice of their own.

Source: La Fragua Projects
Photos: Gaz Kaló and La Fragua Projects

La Fragua Projects, together with its partners, is bringing the FEIG 2025 Report to Seville to boost the political advocacy of the Rromani People in Andalusia

La Fragua Projects, together with its partners, is bringing the FEIG 2025 Report to Seville to boost the political advocacy of the Rromani People in Andalusia

The presentation of the report and a programme of institutional meetings reinforce the collective efforts of the Rromani civil society movement to place its proposals at the heart of the political debate in Andalusia.

La Fragua Projects, together with Presencia Gitana, FAGIC and Unión Romaní Madrid, has organised a series of meetings in Seville as part of the 2026 Interregional Rroma Strategic Forum (FEIG 2026). These sessions have helped to advance the development of proposals and strengthen the political influence of the Romani people at a crucial juncture.

One of the key elements of the agenda has been the presentation of the FEIG 2025 Report, a document containing analyses, assessments and specific proposals aimed at ensuring equal treatment, inclusion and the effective participation of the Rromani people. The report is based on an insider’s perspective, drawn from the knowledge and experience of Romani organisations, and focuses on transforming public policies through a rights-based approach.

You can view the full document here: Access the FEIG 2025 Report

To open up channels of dialogue with institutions

In Seville, the organisations held meetings at the Andalusian Parliament with the PSOE and Por Andalucía parliamentary groups, as well as a meeting with Antonio Ismael Huertas, Director-General for Social Protection and Priority Neighbourhoods at the Regional Government of Andalusia.

These meetings have made it possible to put forward specific proposals directly and to open channels of dialogue with policy-makers. This is a necessary step to ensure that the demands of the Rromani people are included on the institutional agenda and are not excluded from decision-making processes.

Strengthening collective work

Beyond the institutional aspect, the meetings have also provided a forum for the internal workings of the voluntary sector. During the conference, partnerships between organisations have been strengthened, new avenues for collaboration have been explored, and common strategies have been shared.

This collective approach is key to tackling structural inequalities and antigypsisism, from an active stance that positions Rroma organisations themselves as the driving force behind change.

Proposals with an eye on 2026

The work in Seville takes place against a significant political backdrop. With the Andalusian elections scheduled for June 2026, the organisations have made progress in drawing up specific proposals aimed at placing the needs of the Romani people at the centre of public debate.

This represents a clear commitment to political advocacy: transforming reality involves not only highlighting inequalities, but also developing alternatives and bringing them into the decision-making arena.

An ongoing process

The presentation of the FEIG 2025 Report and the meetings held in Seville form part of a wider process that will continue over the coming months.

The FEIG, funded by the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and the 2030 Agenda, continues to establish itself as a key forum for strengthening the participation of the Rromani people and moving towards public policies that are fairer, more inclusive and more in touch with reality.

Source: La Fragua Projects
Photos: FEIG

The FEIG 2025 Report analyses how public policies aimed at the Rroma community are being implemented

The FEIG 2025 Report analyses how public policies aimed at the Rroma community are being implemented

The Inter-Autonomous Community Rroma Strategic Forum (FEIG 2025) presents an independent analysis of the implementation of the National Rroma Strategy in various autonomous communities, highlighting progress, obstacles and key challenges.

The report sets out the work carried out during 2025 by Rromani organisations, experts and public institutions to assess how policies on equality, inclusion and participation for the Romani people are being implemented in different regions.

The report forms part of the project run by the Inter-Autonomous Rroma Strategic Forum (FEIG), initiated by the organisations Presencia Gitana, FAGIC and La Fragua Projects, and turns collective analysis into a tool for advocacy aimed at improving public policies from a rights-based perspective.

A participatory analysis to understand what is happening

The document combines technical analysis with opportunities for dialogue and participation. Throughout the year, conferences, institutional meetings and working sessions have been held in regions such as Madrid, Andalusia, Catalonia and Navarre.

This process has made it possible to compare existing policies with the direct experiences of Roma organisations and professionals, bringing together different perspectives and highlighting both progress and shortcomings in the implementation of the 2021–2030 National Strategy for the Rroma People.

Key points of the report

The report identifies a number of key factors that characterise the current situation:

  • The adoption of the first specific state-level employment plan for the Roma community, with significant economic and social implications.
  • The symbolic and political significance of the year 2025, marking the 600th anniversary of the Romani people in Spain.
  • The lack of up-to-date official data, which makes it difficult to accurately assess the actual impact of policies.

At the same time, the analysis highlights significant concerns: delays in the approval of regional strategies, regional inequalities and poor coordination between administrations.

Regional differences that affect rights

One of the report’s most significant contributions is its regional focus. The FEIG 2025 shows how the situation varies significantly between autonomous communities.

Whilst some regions are making progress with new plans and participatory processes, others are facing obstacles, a lack of transparency or the absence of specific strategic frameworks, which directly affects access to rights in areas such as employment, housing and education.

A tool for advancing fairer policies

Far from being merely an assessment, the FEIG 2025 Report sets out clear proposals for improving public policy: strengthening the involvement of the Rromani civil society movement, ensuring stable funding, improving institutional coordination and making progress on concrete measures to tackle anti-Romani sentiment.

The document advocates a shift from declaratory frameworks to policies with a real impact, which help to reduce structural inequalities and guarantee rights on an equal footing.