The "Roadmap for Enhancing Awareness of Access to Rights Mechanisms for Roma" prepared under the European Union-Council of Europe Joint Programme on Roma Integration Phase III, was introduced at a widely attended workshop with high level participation of various stakeholders.

The event brought togetherrepresentatives from the Ministry of Family and Social Policies, the Ombudsperson Institution, the Human Rights and Equality Institution of Türkiye, Delegation of the European Union to Türkiye, members of Parliament, representatives from various public institutions, academics, international organisations, and civil society organisations.

Opening remarks were delivered respectively by Pınar Başpınar, Deputy Head of Council of Europe Programme Office in Ankara; Ana Oprisan, Programme Manager of Council of Europe Roma and Travellers Division; Jurgis Vilčinskas, Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation to Türkiye; and Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, Minister of Family and Social Services.

During the workshop, structural and social barriers faced by Roma citizens were discussed in detail, and possible solutions and actions to address these barriers were evaluated. Participants specifically emphasised the importance of raising social awareness of the Roma community to ensure that existing right mechanisms are used more effectively and extensively.

At the conclusion of the workshop, a roadmap proposing concrete recommendations to contribute to the implementation of inclusive and sustainable policies in this field was welcomed by all stakeholders.

This activity was organised within the framework of the "Roma Integration Programme Phase III" a joint programme of the European Union and the Council of Europe.