BONN (August 10, 2010) – On its 30th anniversary CARE Deutschland-Luxemburg has taken over responsibility of several CARE offices in the Balkans. “In Serbia, Bosnia, Kosovo and Croatia CARE promotes the rights of Roma people and other minorities. We support local partner organisations in their fight against trafficking of girls and work with young people to secure peace and stability”, says Dr. Anton Markmiller, National Director of CARE Deutschland-Luxemburg after returning from a trip through the Balkan region. “Supporting Roma people is one aspect of our work. After being forcibly expelled from Germany they often face misery and discrimination in the Balkans.” CARE helps Roma families to integrate into society by providing education, trainings and health care.
Another priority of CARE’s work is the empowerment women and the fight against human trafficking. “It’s mainly young Roma women who become victims of trafficking”, says Markmiller. CARE assists local women’s organisations and helps women to escape from forced prostitution and trafficking. In addition, CARE supports Roma organisations which provide financial assistance to women, as well as women’s groups which seek greater political influence for Roma and aim at changing traditional gender roles in society.
Keeping peace and building bridges between the ethnic groups are further aspects of CARE’s work. “We address young people of different ethnic backgrounds. During various trainings they start to appreciate each other’s position and discuss social issues such as traditional gender roles, health or other controversial topics. We motivate them to get involved in their communities. This is extremely important, because it is the youth that will determine the future of the Balkans”, Markmiller says. “But having a good time should not miss out either. We organize holiday tours where they bond together as a team.” Markmiller, who discussed topics such as discrimination and conflicts with young adults adds: “Young people face various problems. Language barriers, education and unemployment are among those that were often mentioned in Kosovo.” There, CARE works with young people to create an early warning system that detects future conflicts and could therefore prevent violence at an early stage.
Media contact:
Sandra Bulling
Stellv. Pressesprecherin
Tel: 0228 / 975 63 46
Mobil: 0151 / 126 27 123
Mail: [email protected]
About CARE: Founded in 1945, CARE is one of the world’s largest humanitarian aid agencies. In nearly 70 countries, CARE works with the poorest communities to improve basic health and education, enhance rural livelihoods and food security, increase access to clean water and sanitation, expand economic opportunity, and provide lifesaving assistance after disasters. CARE is based in Geneva, Switzerland.