Truth defeats stereotypes. Roma people deserve equal opportunities to build their lives. Yet, across Europe, around 12 million Roma continue to face discrimination, racist attacks, and hate speech, with many still denied basic human rights.

Launching in Greece on 10 February and running until 10 March, the SUKARIPE campaign, part of the EQUIROM joint programme by the Council of Europe and the European Union, seeks to challenge prejudices and promote Roma equality.

At a time when words have the power to unite or divide, this initiative urges society to open its heart, confront its biases, and recognise our shared humanity. Under the slogan #SUKARIPE and the call “With an open heart, let’s all take a step forward together”, the campaign’s message will reach audiences nationwide through television, social media, and local networks, envisioning a future free from stereotypes.

What is the SUKARIPE campaign?

Derived from Romani, Sukaripe means “beauty (of the soul)”, a term that embodies the inner richness beyond prejudice and stereotypes. The campaign spotlights six personal stories of young Roma who have faced school dropout, economic hardship, social exclusion, and racism—yet persevere in forging a future filled with hope.

The TV spot

The campaign’s television advert begins with a powerful declaration:

“Truth conquers stereotypes.
Roma deserve equal opportunities to earn their place in life.
And yet, today, around 12 million Roma in Europe are still deprived of basic human rights
and are victims of discrimination, racist attacks, and hate speech.
With an open heart, let’s take a step forward together.
#Sukaripe
Know their story, listen to their stories.”

Broadcast across Greek television networks, this appeal invites viewers to move beyond superficial perceptions and see their fellow citizens with empathy and respect.

Stories unfolding on social media

Alongside the TV campaign, six deeply personal stories will unfold on social media, each forming a tile in a mosaic of hope. These narratives offer a glimpse into lives shaped by struggle and resilience—from Evangelia’s determination to Giorgos’s thirst for knowledge—shedding light on experiences that have long remained hidden behind prejudice.

The protagonists

Six young Roma, at the heart of the campaign, share their personal journeys—stories of pain, triumph, and unwavering hope:

  • Maria – A relentless pursuit of education, despite adversity, as a path to self-fulfilment.
  • Petros – A courageous voice against hate speech, standing up for the rights of his community.
  • Stelios – An artist bridging two worlds, bringing them together through his creative expression.
  • Evangelia – A testament to the power of education in breaking barriers and claiming freedom.
  • Giorgos – Overcoming obstacles through determination, proving that perseverance leads to success.
  • Spyros – Using words and music to rewrite the Roma narrative, revealing the truth of a misunderstood community.

The empty chair: a symbol of untold stories

A single empty chair stands as the campaign’s most poignant symbol—representing those who remain silent, afraid that speaking out might cost them the fragile sense of normality they have managed to build. It is a reminder that true change demands collective courage: to listen, to support, and to challenge ingrained prejudices.

Campaign objectives

  1. Raising awareness – Highlighting how antigypsyism affects key areas such as education, employment, and healthcare, making equal opportunities a constant struggle.
  2. Challenging stereotypes – Using personal testimonies to dismantle deep-rooted prejudices and expose the realities behind Roma experiences.
  3. Encouraging public dialogue – Fostering discussion among the media, policymakers, and civil society, pushing for a shift towards more humanistic discourse and policies.
  4. Empowering the Roma community – Focusing on young people and women as key agents of change within and beyond the Roma community.

What is EQUIROM?

The EQUIROM (Equality and freedom from discrimination for Roma) programme, jointly run by the Council of Europe and the European Union, is implemented in Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, and Romania. Its mission is to dismantle the systemic barriers that marginalise Roma communities and to bring their voices and rights into the public sphere.

As part of EQUIROM, media training sessions have been held in Athens and Thessaloniki, equipping journalists with the tools to cover Roma-related issues fairly and without reinforcing stereotypes.

Call for participation

From 10 February to 10 March, the stories of six young Roma will be broadcast across Greek television, news websites, and social media platforms.

  • The campaign calls on the public—and particularly media professionals—to engage with and amplify its message.
  • Watch, share, and participate in the conversation, helping to build a society that values inclusion and equality.

“With an open heart, let’s all take a step forward together.”
#Sukaripe

For more info:

www.sukaripe.gr

https://www.facebook.com/SukaripeGreece

https://www.youtube.com/@SukaripeGreece

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