The Roma Communities Observatory was created, under the National Roma Communities Integration Strategy, with the main purpose of fostering the making and editing of studies about the communities.
The Roma Communities Observatory (OBCIG) contributes not only to the achievement of some of the measures provided for in the Strategy, but also for the design, implementation and evaluation of public policies in this area, presenting itself as an engine for the creation of cooperation networks, academic, scientific and institutional, as well as the dialogue between academia and policy makers.
On the other hand, the OBCIG assumes the need for deconstructing myths, representations and / or stereotypes about the Roma communities in general, that persist in Portuguese society. Thus, the knowledge acquired and / or produced will be incorporated into various initiatives and / or media that enable achieving this important objective.
The Roma Communities Observatory is an informal unit and does not have any own structure or a framework of permanent employees. It is a network, run by a coordination responsible for the respective scientific activity, and reporting to the High Commissioner in achieving the objectives for which it was created.
The Roma Communities Observatory (OBCIG) aims to:
1. Gather and make available studies, theses and other existing publications related to the theme of Roma communities;
2. To promote the publication of studies to improve the existing knowledge on the topic of Roma communities;
3. To promote and publicize initiatives or events, such as seminars and conferences, to promote greater knowledge of the situation of Roma communities and / or allow the formation of the key factors in this issue.
4. Publicize your activity and the combined knowledge, through various media, for the wide availability of information;
5. Promote cooperation and coordination between the ACM, PI and scientific and academic institutions, at national and international level;
6. Raise awareness and deconstruct myths, representations and / or stereotypes about the Roma communities.
Doctor Carlos Jorge Sousa, Director of the Roma Communities Observatory, since december 2014
Scientific advisers:
- Professor Alexandra Castro (Dinamia - CET)
- Professor Emília Martins (IPV - ESEV)
- Professor Maria José Casa-Nova (Universidade do Minho)
- Professor Maria do Rosário Carneiro (ISCSP - UTL)
- Professor Rogério Roque Amaro (ISCTE - IUL)
- Doctor Sérgio Aires (EAPN)
Liliana Moreira, researcher of Roma Communities Observatory
