The research brief ‘Antigypsyism in the Czech Republic: From Recognition to Transitional Justice ?‘, authored by Gwendolyn Albert, analyses antigypsyism in the former Czechoslovakia and Czech Republic, tracing its roots from the 19th century to the present day. It explores recent efforts to render antigypsyism socially unacceptable and to integrate its historical context into educational and institutional frameworks in the Czech Republic. Recognising the enduring nature of antigypsyism is central to Roma civil society’s advocacy for the legal, political, and structural reforms essential to Roma inclusion, as well as to transitional justice and truth and reconciliation initiatives.

The report draws on desk research and qualitative, semi-structured interviews with 10 Roma respondents across generations, ranging from civil society figures to past and present government officials. The interviews centre on respondents’ lived experiences of antigypsyism and highlight the deep and pervasive ways in which this form of discrimination affects even the most personal aspects of life. Respondents reflected on the concept of antigypsyism and the extent to which it is understood, or misunderstood, by various stakeholders. Most respondents requested anonymity.

About the author: Gwendolyn Albert is a freelance consultant and researcher working on human rights- centred topics, with a particular focus on the history, rights and inclusion of Romani people in the Czech Republic and beyond.

The Research Brief has been coordinated by the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS) and   SLOVO 21.