The workshop organised by the Inter-Autonomous Strategic Rroma Forum (FEIG) highlighted the need to strengthen institutional commitments to the Rroma People, warning of the risks of abandoning specific strategies and calling for progress in the monitoring of public policies at both national and regional levels
On 28 July, Jerez de la Frontera Town Council hosted the conference ‘The Impact of Rroma Strategies and Policies at Local and Regional Level’, organised as part of the 2026 Inter-Regional Rroma Strategic Forum (FEIG 2026), an initiative jointly promoted by the National Association for Rroma Presence (ANPG), the Federation of Rroma Associations of Catalonia (FAGIC) and La Fragua Projects (LFP).
The opening of the event was attended by the Mayor of Jerez de la Frontera, María José García-Pelayo, who welcomed the organisations and individuals present and expressed her support for the objectives of the event and for the work carried out by Rromani organisations to promote equality, participation and inclusion. In her speech, she highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration between public authorities and civil society in order to continue making progress on rights and full citizenship.
The event brought together institutional representatives, representatives of the National Council of the Rroma People and the Andalusian Council of the Rroma People, Rromani organisations, social organisations and experts to analyse the state of public policies aimed at the Rroma People and to discuss the challenges currently faced by the various administrations in fulfilling their commitments regarding equality, inclusion and participation.
The choice of Jerez de la Frontera as the venue for the meeting held special significance for the participating organisations. The city occupies a prominent place in the history and contemporary reality of the Rroma People. As a cultural, social and artistic hub, Jerez represents one of the places where the Rromani contribution has been recognised and valued as a fundamental element of collective identity. The historical presence of Rromani families, artists and leading figures has contributed decisively to the city’s cultural prestige, making it a particularly symbolic place for Rromani civil society. Holding a conference there dedicated to public policy and participation provided an opportunity to link the institutional debate with a region deeply connected to the history, culture and contributions of the Rromani people.
During the session, the FEIG 2025 report – drawn up by the project’s partner organisations – was presented; it analyses the development of strategies and policies aimed at the Rroma People in Andalusia, Catalonia, Madrid and Navarre. The report notes that the National Strategy for Equality, Inclusion and Participation of the Rroma People 2021–2030 remains the main framework of reference, but also highlights the difficulties involved in translating its objectives into fully operational and assessable policies across the various regions.
One of the main issues addressed during the debate was concern over certain regressive trends that call into question the need to maintain specific strategies for the Rromani community at regional level. Participants warned that replacing these tools with generalist inclusion plans could dilute the focus on the specific inequalities still faced by the Rroma People and undermine the commitments made at both national and European level.
In this regard, the situation in Madrid and Navarre was analysed with particular concern. In both regions, approaches have been proposed that aim to dispense with specific strategies for the Rroma community and to integrate measures targeting the Rroma People into general frameworks for social inclusion. The participating organisations agreed that this approach carries the risk of a loss of visibility, political priority and the ability to monitor measures designed to combat the inequalities affecting the Rroma population.
Alongside these trends, the conference also highlighted the accumulated delays in the approval or updating of regional strategies in other territories. Although Andalusia and Catalonia are continuing with processes aimed at developing new strategic frameworks, delays in their final approval are hindering the implementation of fully operational policies and limiting the ability to properly assess the commitments made. The participating organisations emphasised that allowing strategies to remain pending renewal for years conveys a worrying lack of political priority regarding the rights and inclusion of the Rromani people.
Another cause for concern was the absence of the 2025 national progress report, a document considered essential for assessing the extent to which the National Strategy is being implemented. The participating organisations pointed out that accountability, transparency and the regular publication of up-to-date information are essential for assessing the real impact of public policies and guiding future courses of action.
Within this framework, La Fragua Projects has been playing a significant role in the development of the FEIG by conducting analyses, producing strategic content and generating knowledge on public policies aimed at the Rromani community. The organisation is actively involved in preparing monitoring reports, conducting comparative analyses of regional strategies and coordinating a broad network of partner organisations that help to enrich the debate and strengthen the advocacy capacity of Romani civil society.
The event also featured the participation of guest organisations such as the YILÓ Association, the Association of Teachers Working with Rroma (AEGIT), the KAMIRA Federation of Rroma Women’s Associations, the FAKALI Federation of Rroma Women, the Secretariado Gitano Foundation (FSG) and Unión Romaní Madrid (URM), alongside local organisations from Jerez de la Frontera, such as the Calle Nueva and Cantarería Cultural Association, as well as other social and institutional stakeholders, creating a diverse space for the exchange of experiences and the development of joint proposals.
The meeting once again highlighted the importance of maintaining forums for dialogue, coordination and monitoring to ensure that the commitments made by the various public authorities are translated into real, measurable public policies that are sustainable over time. Against a backdrop where some strategies are at risk of being abandoned and others are years behind schedule, the participating organisations emphasised the need to strengthen participatory mechanisms and to maintain specific policies that enable progress towards effective equality for the Rroma People.
Source: La Fragua Projects Photos: La Fragua Projects
On 22 July 2026, the inaugural meeting of the Racial Justice and Empowerment Network was held; this network comprises organisations operating at national level that are committed to defending the rights of refugees, migrants, Rroma and racialised people.
The Racial Justice & Empowerment Network was established with the aim of strengthening access to rights and justice for refugees, migrants, Rroma and racialised people by creating a space for collaboration, the sharing of resources, training and mutual support. The network aims to develop coordinated responses to racial discrimination and to promote equal rights through collaboration and mutual support.
Laying the foundations for a national network
The aim of the session was to lay the foundations for the Network’s operation, defining its purpose, vision and initial coordination mechanisms. An initial assessment was also carried out of the participating organisations’ capabilities, expertise, resources and needs, with the aim of identifying synergies and establishing a shared roadmap for the network’s development.
Key objectives that will guide the Network’s work include sharing resources and knowledge amongst participating organisations, facilitating referrals and mutual support mechanisms, expanding opportunities for specialised training, developing joint advocacy initiatives, and strengthening organisations’ capacity to defend rights. Furthermore, the Network will work to improve the identification of and response to situations of discrimination, helping to combat phenomena such as under-reporting, which, in many cases, hinders effective access to justice for those affected.
During the meeting, it was also agreed to promote tools that would facilitate smooth communication between organisations and encourage the coordination of actions, thereby consolidating a stable collaborative network capable of responding to shared challenges from a national perspective.
This meeting marks the first step in a process of collective development that will help to establish a collaborative framework between organisations operating in different regions and fields of work, but which share a commitment to working towards a fairer, more inclusive and more equal society.
From September 2026, the Racial Justice & Empowerment Network will enter a more operational phase, focusing on the development of specific actions, strengthening cooperation between organisations, and implementing the priorities identified at this founding meeting to improve the defence of rights and access to justice for refugees, migrants, Rroma and racialised people.
Source: La Fragua Projects Photos: La Fragua Projects
As part of the ‘Orgullo Gitano. Sevilla 2026’ event, three declarations have been presented which set out a collective stance and launch a nationwide process aimed at strengthening the rights of LGBTIQ+ Rromani people.
These documents stem from the opportunities for participation created during the meeting and reflect a clear commitment to recognising sex and gender diversity within the Rromani community as a historical, political and social reality that requires recognition, resources and specific responses.
Three complementary perspectives for a shared agenda
The statements relate to three distinct areas, which have made it possible to explore specific experiences and needs in greater depth from a context-specific perspective.
On the one hand, the Aliades Space Declaration highlights the role of the alliance as a tool for transformation. The document argues that change cannot rest solely with those who suffer discrimination, but requires the active involvement of other social actors, based on shared responsibility and sustained commitment.
The text emphasises that being an ally is not merely a symbolic stance, but a practical commitment that involves examining one’s own privileges, taking action against inequalities and helping to create safer and more inclusive environments.
Furthermore, the GTBIQ Space Declaration, which focuses on Rromani men and non-binary people, directly addresses the intersection between anti-Romani sentiment and LGTBIQphobia. The document highlights how these forms of discrimination reinforce one another and give rise to specific situations of exclusion.
It also emphasises the need to establish role models, strengthen networks and move towards a political agenda of its own that will enable these issues to be placed at the centre of public debate and public policy.
The LBTIQ Space Declaration, which focuses on Rromani women and non-binary people, highlights their historical invisibility, the silence surrounding their experiences, and the material and emotional impacts of discrimination.
The document highlights the importance of reclaiming collective memory, creating spaces of their own and strengthening leadership that enables Romani women and people of diverse gender identities to participate fully in social, community and institutional life.
From reflection to the establishment of a national network
Beyond the analysis, the three documents share a common goal: the establishment of a national network of LGBTIQ+ Rroma people.
This proposal is not merely intended as an organisational structure, but as a space for mutual support, the generation of our own knowledge and political advocacy. It is a necessary step towards overcoming the current fragmentation and moving towards collective responses to inequalities.
The statements also highlight the limitations of current public policies, which in many cases fail to incorporate an intersectional perspective capable of simultaneously addressing anti-Rroma bias and sex and gender diversity.
A starting point for a sustained process
The Seville Statements 2026 is not intended to provide a definitive assessment, but rather to mark the start of a new phase.
A process that places dignity, equality and human rights at its heart, and which positions LGBTIQ+ Rroma people as key players in developing responses to discrimination.
From this starting point, the challenge is no longer simply to share a common framework, but to translate it into concrete actions, genuine partnerships and sustainable change over time.
The Madrid Summit brought together activists and organisations in Madrid to tackle LGBTIQ+ issues, in a forum where the voices of Rroma people are still missing.
On 3 July, Madrid hosted the latest edition of the Madrid Summit, MADO’s international human rights conference, which focused on defending LGBTIQ+ rights in a context characterised by polarisation, hate speech and various setbacks at a global level.
Held at the offices of the European Parliament and the European Commission in Spain, the event brought together activists, institutional representatives, experts and civil society organisations, who shared their analyses and proposals for tackling the inequalities that continue to affect the lives of this community. The full event can be watched again via the Madrid Summit 2026 broadcast.
During the Summit, key issues were addressed, such as the historical memory of LGBTIQ+ people who have suffered reprisals, trans rights, the situation of migrants and refugees, and the role of sport as a space for inclusion. The programme once again highlighted that discussing human rights means starting from the specific realities in which discrimination remains a reality.
Madrid: visibility and inequalities
Madrid is a beacon for the LGBTIQ+ movement, a space for visibility, organisation and mobilisation. But this central role coexists with a more complex reality: the city continues to be rife with inequalities, racism and LGBTIQ+phobia, which affect people differently depending on their background, social class or identity.
Not everyone in Madrid enjoys equal opportunities. For many, particularly those who belong to racialised communities such as the Rromani people, access to rights, safe spaces and a life free from discrimination remains a daily challenge.
Broadening the debate: a Rromani, anti-racist and feminist perspective
In this context, La Fragua Projects’ stance offers a much-needed perspective. As a Rromani, anti-racist and LGTBIQ+ organisation, its presence at the Madrid Summit highlights a fundamental issue: the defence of LGTBIQ+ rights cannot be understood without addressing racism, anti-Rromani sentiment and other forms of structural exclusion.
Being present in these spaces also means highlighting their limitations. At present, the participation of LGBTIQ+ Rroma People remains low in many such forums, which makes it difficult for their experiences and realities to form a central part of the debate.
It is not just about being present, but about participating on an equal footing: being heard, influencing the agenda and having a say in the decisions that affect our lives.
Rights exercised in everyday life
Talking about equality cannot be limited to mere rhetoric. It means asking who can live in safety, who is able to exercise their rights in practice, and who continues to face barriers to exercising them.
Along the way, it is also important to establish a presence, forge alliances and create spaces for dialogue – which are not always comfortable, but are necessary if we are to move towards a fairer society.
A challenge that remains unresolved
The Madrid Summit 2026 once again made it clear that LGBTIQ+ rights are not guaranteed and need to be defended constantly and collectively. But it also highlighted that such defence will only be complete if it includes all voices.
Because equality is not just about being present. It is about being able to take part in the conversation and in decision-making.
It is presented at the annual plenary session of the Xarxa BCN Antirumors held on June 26.
The organisation presents a proposal focused on meaningful participation, impact evaluation and transforming public narratives, in the context of the 15th anniversary of the municipal strategy.
On 26 June, the Palau Alòs Youth Centre became a meeting point to reflect on the present and future of the BCN Anti-Rumour Network. In a session marked by shared experiences and critical thinking, Imma Anegas González and María Aguilera Martín, representing La Fragua Projects, played a key role by presenting their proposal for the development of the new 2027–2031 action plan.
An important step at a key moment: fifteen years after the strategy began, in a context where hate speech is intensifying and taking on new forms.
A proposal to bring anti-racism into real policies
Far from being a purely theoretical document, La Fragua Projects’ proposal is designed as a practical tool for the Network and the city. The goal is clear: to strengthen the Network’s role as a key actor within public policies to combat racism.
As presented, the new plan is an opportunity to consolidate the Network’s capacity to influence, improve its monitoring mechanisms and ensure that its actions have a real impact on people’s lives.
To achieve this, the proposal is built on three key ideas. First, co-creation with organisations, recognising that participation cannot be symbolic but must shape decision-making. Second, a culture of evaluation, capable of measuring not only activities, but real changes in perceptions, narratives and social relations. And finally, operability: turning strategies into concrete and viable actions.
As highlighted during the presentation itself, this is a plan “built with organisations” and designed to be adapted along the way, with a clear objective: to generate impact in everyday life.
A participatory process with a critical perspective
The methodological approach presented by La Fragua Projects structures the plan into several phases: analysis of previous work, consultation with organisations, definition of priorities and final validation.
A central element is the design of more useful and accessible participatory spaces, aimed at enabling genuine involvement from organisations, especially those that have traditionally been underrepresented.
In addition, the plan incorporates an intersectional and intercultural approach, alongside a critical perspective that challenges the structures that sustain inequalities.
A day combining reflection and lived experience
The presentation of the plan was part of at the annual plenary session, where the results of the Network’s participation study were also shared and spaces for dialogue about its future were opened.
Interventions such as that of Richard Sánchez, who stated that “what used to be rumours are now hate speech”, placed the debate within the urgency of the current context.
The interview with Yousra Touri El Mansouri and the screening of the short film “Serem el que sempre hem desitjat” brought in lived experiences, while voices such as Doris Boira Bueso highlighted the importance of creating real spaces for dialogue to confront racism.
A new cycle for the Network
The proposal presented by La Fragua Projects opens a new chapter for the BCN Anti-Rumour Network. A chapter that is not only about planning, but about the ability to transform realities.
As became clear during the session, the key is not only to design a strong plan, but to build it alongside those who sustain the work on the ground and ensure that this effort translates into concrete change: fewer hate narratives, more spaces for dialogue and a more just city for everyone.
Source: La Fragua Projects Photos: La Fragua Projects
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