Roma Policy Lab

Media lab

Analysis: “Speech containing offence, prejudice and hate against Roma on the social media platform Facebook”

This analysis presents data from a secondary semi-automated processing that relies on a critical review of the performance of algorithms. The aim is, on the one hand, to present more reliable information about offensive speech against Roma on the social media, and on the other hand, to identify weaknesses and typical gaps/errors of the algorithms used for automatic processing.

Redefining Narratives – Empowering Roma Women in Bulgaria

It is  crucial to empower Roma women, considering the obstacles they face in accessing education and employment opportunities. By combining empowerment with accessible healthcare and social services, a more equitable and inclusive society can take shape.  

See the full article.

Project: “United in Diversity”

The project focuses on the cultural heritage of the Roma ethnic minority, interweaving the participation of two other minority groups – Jews and Armenians, in order to show the “coexistence” of minority cultures alongside that of the majority – Bulgarian culture.

Photo campaign “Stronger than words”

Fine Acts opened the photography campaign “Stronger than words”, in which they photographed 54 people who send an important message with a smile. 54 people, representatives of the groups most affected by hate speech in Bulgaria, as well as their like-minded people, bravely stand with their face against hatred.

Boldness determined by spirituality

“…the people from “Fakulteta” and whichever other Roma neighborhood it may be, are not distinguished by their desires from everyone else – they want their home comfort and their dignity in life. And they achieve it somehow and in spite of everything – most of the young people and those of middle age are abroad because there are more job opportunities, because the pay is better, because they feel more valued there and last but not least because it is such conditions that create the ground for dreams.”

NEW REPORT: The definition of energy poverty in Bulgaria – content and applications with an emphasis on highly vulnerable and marginalized groups

Bulgaria is in the final stages of adopting an official definition of energy poverty, but there is a risk that its use for the purpose of energy renovation of buildings will be done in a way that will not prioritize the energy poor and may even lead to an increase in energy inequality.

FILM: Roma building Socialism?

Today’s Bulgarian Roma are still marginalised and lag far behind other Bulgarians in education and opportunity. But under Communism they were depicted as standing shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the country, enthusiastically working towards the perfect Socialist state. What was really happening? See this film.

Project: “What we can achieve together”

“Each of the stories we present are real, Bulgarian and need support.” So are the stories about the people and organizations working for the benefit of the Roma community. That’s why we also present...

FILM: The Invisible

Born in Bulgaria, but unknown and invisible in society and Bulgarian institutions. Being human and not being able to prove your identity because you are homeless. See more here.