Europe's largest minority — the Roma — includes 7 to 9 million people, often known as "Gypsies," who for many years have suffered exculsion, poverty and lack of access to education. The goal of the Decade of Roma Inclusion, 2005–15, is to accelerate inclusion and improve economic and social status for Roma across the region. The initiative is supported by eight countries in Central and Southeast Europe and the international community, with The Open Society Institute and the Bank acting as the principal sponsoring organizations. | An End to Exclusion: | | The Roma in Central Europe and Asia—The Decade of Roma Inclusion is a political commitment by countries to reduce disparities in economic and human development outcomes.(PDF document) |  | Declaration Signed in Sofia—Government leaders sign a declaration to include the Roma as full and equal members of European Society. | | Roma People in an Expanding Europe—An op-ed article written with George Soros of the Open Society Institute, calls on countries to support the initiative. | | Roma Education Fund—Donors earlier met in Paris to pledge US$42 million for a Fund to expand educational opportunities for Roma communities. | | Importance of the Roma—In brief statements, Mr. Wolfensohn describes the urgency and relevance of the initiative. video1 video2 |
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