European Roma Holocaust Memorial Day

On the occasion of the European Roma Holocaust Memorial Day, we pay tribute to the Roma who were victims of genocide during the Second World War and reaffirm our commitment to cherishing and defending fundamental rights and human dignity.

In Europe, hatred and intolerance, assumed as state policy, destroyed the lives of almost half a million Roma - children, women and men. The Romanian authorities at the time shamefully contributed to this criminal toll, with 25.000 Roma being deported, of whom 11.000 did not survive.

The life experiences and the stories of those whose dreams and hopes have been dashed by hate speech and racist policies remain a thankless testament to discrimination and, at the same time, an important means to fight against the perpetuation of injustice and to promote the value and importance of diversity, solidarity and caring for others.

It is also essential to be able to speak openly in society about this painful chapter, especially when we are now seeing more and more frequent attempts to resurrect intolerance and discrimination against different minorities.

In this respect, we must continue our efforts to sanction and actively combat ideas or behaviour that polarize, prejudice or stigmatize any kind of person or group.

Romania has fully come to terms with its past and has made important progress in preventing and combating discrimination, racism, anti-Semitism and xenophobia, through legislative measures designed to encourage inclusion, acceptance and equality.

I am convinced that our society is a mature one that will continue to cultivate solidarity, unity, tolerance and compassion in the future, so that the next generations can live in freedom and peace!

May the memory of the victims of genocide remain eternal in our hearts!

Translated by: Radu Matei