About the RRN

Despite being Europe’s largest (more then 10 million in Europe alone) and fastest growing minority, the Roma have been and continue to be misrepresented, mythologized, stereotyped, scapegoated and persecuted. The aim of the Roma Rights Network is to raise awareness of the Roma and the issues affecting them through the dissemination of timely and useful information, targeting regions and peoples not normally targeted, and using tools and strategies not yet extensively implemented in the Roma rights community. This will be achieved through providing a crucial supplement to the mainstream commercial media representations of the Roma via in-depth analysis and comprehensive aggregation of Roma-related news, documenting abuses, and facilitation of information.

At the same time, the Roma Rights Network will develop the mobilisation potential that other web presences in this field miss, thereby generating popular support for the Roma. Mobilisation techniques would include the Web Site itself, as well as an electronic newsletter, and the use of Social Networking applications such as Facebook, Myspace, You Tube, Twitter, etc. Such applications are home to millions of young, intelligent, well educated people who have largely been untouched by human and social issues. We would also use non-traditional forms of mobilisation such as; a Wrist Band campaign, developing University clubs, and Lesson plans for teachers.

We seek to become a key international non-profit organization that provides unique and useful services including timely and accurate information and campaigns to the public - around the world - regarding the Roma and the issues affecting them.

It is our mission to raise awareness of the Roma and the issues affecting them through the dissemination of timely and useful information, targeting regions and peoples not normally targeted, and using tools and strategies not yet extensively implemented in the Roma rights community.

We adhere to the values set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, including, all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. Everyone is entitled to the same rights and freedoms without distinction of any kind. No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile. Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment. Everyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal pay for equal work. Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services. Everyone has the right to education.

The Roma Rights Network was developed and is maintained by Scott Elliott, a University student in Vancouver, Canada.

Scott created the RRN after returning home from a six month internship at the European Roma Rights Center in Budapest, Hungary. He works on the RRN by himself, in his free time, using his own funds.

Please contact him with advice or comments. He is also looking for volunteers.