Policy often feels like a locked room. Our new dictionary hands young Roma and roma youth organisations the keys, translating a major European standard into clear language and everyday action.
A policy can sit on a shelf. Power is exercised in rooms.The Dictionary on Roma Youth Participation is built to close that gap, turning CM/Rec(2023)4 into clear words, questions and steps that help young Roma use their voice where decisions are made. Our new Dictionary on Roma Youth Participation turns shared standards into words that travel well in schools, youth groups and community meetings.
Why this matters now?
The Council of Europe adopted CM/Rec(2023)4 in 2023. It urges governments, local authorities and civil society to ensure Roma young people can shape the decisions that affect their lives and enjoy equal access to opportunities. It places youth empowerment, anti-discrimination and grassroots participation at the centre.
In 2024 the Joint Council on Youth added a practical Roadmap to help put the Recommendation to work over five years, with clear priorities, responsibilities and actions. The goal is simple and serious: Roma youth should not only access opportunities, but actively shape policy at national and European level.
This dictionary unpacks the Council of Europe’s Recommendation CM/Rec(2023)4 on Roma youth participation into plain, usable terms, with examples rooted in community life.
What the dictionary does?
The dictionary has two parts. First, a set of accessible definitions tied to Roma realities, written with a youth-friendly voice. Second, a guided reading of the Recommendation with reflections from the Roma Youth Perspective and questions to spark discussion and action in schools, groups and communities.
Entries such as Participation, Representation, Equality, Quality Inclusive Education and Roma Inclusion move from concept to concrete, showing what change looks like on the ground with practical tone and confidence as aim.
From words to policy
Part Two lays out twelve headline recommendations, from ensuring fair participation and representation to tackling intersectional discrimination, strengthening Roma youth organisations and turning guidance into funded policy. Each section offers reflection questions and perspective pieces from Roma youth leaders.
The through-line is accountability. Are Roma young people influencing decisions or only present on paper. How will systems change to meet diverse needs, including those of Roma girls, LGBTI+ Roma and rural youth.
Built with the community
The dictionary is a ternYpe publication produced with the financial support of the Council of Europe. It credits contributors and editors, with further input from Dikh He Na Bister group leaders across 24 countries.
How to use it?
Use the definitions for workshops or school sessions. Take the reflective questions to a youth council meeting. Map what is missing in your city. Then carry the recommendations to those who hold the budget and the pen. The dictionary is a training and action tool first and last.
A step towards equal say
Participation is not a favour granted to Roma youth. It is a right and a necessity for a healthier democracy. This dictionary is one step towards making that right visible, teachable and actionable.
Access the Dictionary on Roma Youth Participation here: