REF Strengthens Partnership with the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality in Serbia
The Roma Education Fund Serbia has formalized its cooperation with the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality through the signing of a Cooperation Agreement and its accession to the Partnership for Equality initiative.
The agreement builds on years of collaboration aimed at expanding opportunities for Roma youth through education, skills development, career guidance, internships, and employment pathways. Both institutions share a commitment to fostering a society in which all individuals can exercise their rights and participate fully in education, employment, and public life without discrimination
Over the past years, cooperation between REF and the Commissioner has developed through internship programs, support for education, professional development, and the empowerment of young Roma women and men. Through joint activities, special attention has been dedicated to raising awareness about human rights, protection against discrimination, and available institutional support mechanisms.
“Roma Education Fund believes that education, employment, and equality are inextricably linked. It is not enough to provide access to education or the labor market if Roma continue to face barriers due to discrimination, prejudice, or unequal opportunities. This is precisely why cooperation with the institution responsible for protecting equality in Serbia is of great importance to our work,” said Dragana Rajić, Program Director of REF Serbia.
The renewed partnership recognizes that successful labour market inclusion requires more than qualifications alone. While education and skills are essential, equal access to opportunities, fair treatment in recruitment and employment, and trust in public institutions remain critical for ensuring that young Roma men and women can fully participate in economic and social life. Removing barriers to employment is not only a matter of rights, but also a prerequisite for building more inclusive and prosperous communities.
This agreement represents another step in REF Serbia’s commitment to building strategic partnerships that expand opportunities for Roma communities. Alongside collaborations with employers, educational institutions, and public authorities, cooperation with the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality reinforces REF Serbia’s efforts to create pathways where education leads to skills, skills lead to employment, and opportunities are accessible to all, without discrimination or unequal treatment.
