National Advisory Board on Romani Affairs
The National Advisory Board on Romani Affairs (, abbrev. RONK, previously known as the Advisory Board on Gypsy Affairs, ) is an expert advisory body in Finland. It aims to foster cooperation between the Roma population in Finland and the authorities, to promote equality, and to eliminate discrimination. In addition, the advisory board seeks to create equal opportunities for the Roma to participate in Finnish society and to improve their economic, social, and cultural conditions. Outside of Finland's borders, the advisory board actively takes part in pan-Nordic, European, and international cooperation to ensure that the Roma are treated equally and their living conditions are improved as stipulated in the Decree of the Council of State on the national advisory board on Roma Affairs and on the regional Advisory Boards on Roma Affairs (1019/2003). History The advisory board was established in 1956 as the Advisory Board on Gypsy Affairs (). In 1989, its name was changed to its current form. The board The advisory board is based at the Finnish Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. The Finnish Government appoints each board for three years at a time. In addition to the chair and vice-chair, the board may have up to