At times of an exceptionally uncertain and risk-ridden situation faced by our society and the public health, the need to protect the most vulnerable citizens is a paramount. The Foundation Open Society – Macedonia (FOSM) places great priority to protection and advancement of livelihood for all, and especially for marginalized citizens. Therefore, FOSM secured a donation of 100,000 USD as emergency humanitarian intervention for deprived Roma families that have been directly affected by the health crisis in social and economic terms.
At this moment, provision of adequate support to the most vulnerable groups of citizens is of exceptional importance to increase their possibility to maintain regular hygiene and disinfection, but also to support them with food supplies during the lockdown period. For that purpose, FOSM in cooperation with the Red Cross of the Republic of North Macedonia secured humanitarian packages with food and hygiene products that would be sufficient for a period of one month to cover needs of one family with 4 to 6 members. This activity will cover around 10,000 Roma citizens, i.e. around 2,000 families that live in Skopje’s Shuto Orizari, Tetovo, Gostivar, Bitola, Prilep, Kumanovo, Delchevo, Vinica, Pehchevo and village Crnik.
Distribution of humanitarian packages will start on Friday, 3 April, with visits to 400 families in Skopje. Another visit to additional 400 families in Skopje is planned for Saturday, while starting from Monday, 6 April, humanitarian packages will be distributed to homes of Roma families across the state. Distribution of humanitarian aid packages will end by 10 April 2020.
In order to ensure unhindered performance of this activity, the Red Cross of the Republic of North Macedonia will cooperate with 6 grass-root civil society organizations that are active and recognized in Roma communities. Romano Chachipe, IRIZ – Skopje, Sonce – Tetovo, Station LET – Prilep, NRC – Kumanovo, NGO KHAM – Delchevo, HOPS – Skopje and the Center for Street Children in Shuto Orizari helped identify the needs of the most affected Roma families ad will assist in distribution of humanitarian packages. Therefore, we would like to express our gratitude for their unselfish engagement at the time of crisis.
The Foundation Open Society – Macedonia is dedicated to building tolerant and inclusive society, open for equal participation of all citizens. Support to and participation of the Roma community in improving conditions for access to education, health and legal services, but also change of perceptions, attitude and behavior toward Roma, remain in the focus of our activities.