The Observatory of Roma Communities (ObCig) has the following functions:

a) Help with the creation of public policies for the Roma population from or residing in Portugal.

b) Promote and do research in strategic areas with the knowledge and integration of the Roma population in mind, within an equality perspective.

c) Contribute to the deconstruction of stereotypes, mainly through participating in conferences, seminars, workshops and professional development courses.

d) Promote constructive dialogue between the academy and the political decision makers in order to increase equal opportunities and human rights with the Roma population at its core.

e) Continue with the “Olhares” (Looks) Collection, publishing completed scientific research (results of research projects, master or doctoral theses) in print edition, with a particular interest in the awareness of Roma communities and sustained political decision.

f) Create the ObCig Studies Collection in print edition, with no detriment to the creation of other collections, for the purpose of promoting the development of thematic scientific research in the Strategy’s areas (or similar).

g) Make completed and unpublished research available, such as master dissertations and doctoral theses, on the ObCig website.

h) Promote the layout of brochures that contribute to scientifically supported deconstruction of stereotypes. 

i) Promote national and international conferences, namely in the several areas of the National Strategy for the Integration of Roma Communities (ENICC).

j) Establish a network of partnerships with national and international Research Centres.

k) Participate in international research projects that seek to further existing awareness or produce new knowledge about the Roma community in a compared perspective.

l) Participate in academic scientific and social promotion and dissemination networks.

m) Create an international network of partnerships with non-governmental agencies that work with the Roma population and, on a global scale, with problems related to Human Rights.

n) Create a scientific and informative Newsletter.

o) Participate in national and international congresses, conferences and seminars, disseminating the scientific activity of the ObCig and public policies for the integration of the Roma population.

p) Participate in relevant international meetings regarding the objectives of the ObCig and the High Commission for Migrations.

Maria José Casa-Nova, Assitant Professor, Coordinator since January, 2018