When the voices of underrepresented communities reach European policymaking tables, hope is born for sustainable change. The director of our organization, Mr. Isak Skenderi, participated in the Eurodiaconia 2025 Network Meeting held in Prague, a forum that addressed pressing challenges related to extreme poverty, the rural-urban divide, and unequal access to essential services.

At this gathering, Mr. Skenderi presented the vision of Voice of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptians for "Transforming Settlements as a Pillar of Social Justice", a bold concept that approaches inclusion through desegregation and community-led development.

“It is not enough to talk about aid or integration; we must radically rethink how we perceive segregated settlements. They are not merely symbols of neglect but can become spaces of innovation, dignity, and equal participation,” he stated.

This approach goes beyond housing-aiming to address systemic antigypsyism, spatial isolation, and lack of access to infrastructure and economic opportunities, all of which perpetuate exclusion.

We thank Eurodiaconia and Diakonie ECCB for this valuable space of collaboration and reflection on inclusive policies!