Workshop by the ILO and the EU to strengthen access of Roma Communities to Decent Work in Türkiye
The preliminary findings of a study on Roma communities’ access to rights in working life were shared with Roma associations and relevant civil society organizations.
3 April 2026
ANKARA (ILO News) — The International Labour Organization (ILO) Office for Türkiye organized a workshop to assess the preliminary findings of the study titled “Roma in Working Life: Access to Fundamental Labour Rights and Decent Work.” The study is being conducted within the framework of the project “Strengthening the Capacities of Social Partners and Civil Society Organizations in the Field of Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work,” implemented with the financial support of the European Union.
The workshop, held in Ankara, brought together representatives of Roma associations, relevant civil society organizations, public institutions, trade union confederations, and international organizations.
The study examines Roma communities’ access to fundamental labour rights and decent work through a multidimensional approach by researchers working under the Dissensus Research Company. Key themes such as discrimination, informal employment, gender equality, social protection, and organization and representation are analysed from an ILO perspective. Following the completion of the literature review, in-depth interviews are being conducted with representatives of relevant public institutions, social partners, and civil society organizations.
The workshop brought together participants from public institutions, workers’ and employers’ organizations, civil society, international organizations, academia, and the Delegation of the European Union to Türkiye. It provided a platform to share the preliminary findings of the study and to help shape the next stages.
In his opening remarks, ILO Türkiye Director Yasser Hassan emphasized the importance of inclusive labour markets and the need for evidence-based policymaking. He highlighted the importance of strong cooperation among stakeholders and effective social dialogue mechanisms to overcome the barriers faced by Roma communities.
During the meeting, the research team presented the scope, methodology, and preliminary findings of the study. This was followed by thematic group work sessions aimed at validating the findings and gathering participants’ input.
In the interactive sessions, participants evaluated the key problem areas identified in the study and developed policy recommendations. Discussions focused particularly on increasing access to formal employment, strengthening anti-discrimination mechanisms, promoting gender equality, enhancing the participation of Roma communities in social dialogue processes, and ensuring inclusive social protection for Roma.
In the closing plenary session, a framework for policy recommendations was developed based on feedback presented by group rapporteurs. Contributions from the workshop are expected to strengthen the final report of the study and support the development of more inclusive labour market policies for Roma communities.
The workshop marked an important step in ensuring that the study reflects the perspectives of different stakeholders. Activities carried out under the project continue to contribute to strengthening fundamental rights at work in Türkiye and to enhancing the capacities of social partners and civil society organizations in knowledge production, advocacy, and social dialogue.