Read the full text of the IHRA’s non-legally binding working definition of antigypsyism/anti-Roma discrimination and learn more about this important tool with the FAQs below.
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Adopted on 8 October 2020
Acknowledging with concern that the neglect of the genocide of the Roma has contributed to the prejudice and discrimination that many Roma** communities still experience today, and accepting our responsibility to counter such forms of racism and discrimination (Articles 4 and 7 of the IHRA 2020 Ministerial Declaration, article 3 of the Stockholm Declaration), the IHRA adopts the following working definition of antigypsyism/anti-Roma discrimination:
Antigypsyism/anti-Roma discrimination is a manifestation of individual expressions and acts as well as institutional policies and practices of marginalization, exclusion, physical violence, devaluation of Roma cultures and lifestyles, and hate speech directed at Roma as well as other individuals and groups perceived, stigmatized, or persecuted during the Nazi era, and still today, as “Gypsies.” This leads to the treatment of Roma as an alleged alien group and associates them with a series of pejorative stereotypes and distorted images that represent a specific form of racism.
To guide the IHRA in its work, the following is being recognized:
Antigypsyism/anti-Roma discrimination has existed for centuries. It was an essential element in the persecution and annihilation policies against Roma as perpetrated by Nazi Germany, and those fascist and extreme nationalist partners and other collaborators who participated in these crimes.
Antigypsyism/anti-Roma discrimination did not start with or end after the Nazi era but continues to be a central element in crimes perpetrated against Roma. In spite of the important work done by the United Nations, the European Union, the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and other international bodies, the stereotypes and prejudices about Roma have not been delegitimized or discredited vigorously enough so that they continue to persist and can be deployed largely unchallenged.
Antigypsyism/anti-Roma discrimination is a multi-faceted phenomenon that has widespread social and political acceptance. It is a critical obstacle to the inclusion of Roma in broader society, and it acts to prevent Roma from enjoying equal rights, opportunities, and gainful social-economic participation.
Many examples may be given to illustrate antigypsyism/anti-Roma discrimination. Contemporary manifestations of antigypsyism/anti-Roma discrimination could, taking into account the overall context, include, but are not limited to:
* The use of the national equivalent of the term is recommended, Canada and the United States use the term anti-Roma racism.
** The word ‘Roma’ is used as an umbrella term which includes different related groups, whether sedentary or not, such as Roma, Travellers, Gens du voyage, Resandefolket/De resande, Sinti, Camminanti, Manouches, Kalés, Romanichels, Boyash/Rudari, Ashkalis, Égyptiens, Yéniches, Doms, Loms and Abdal that may be diverse in culture and lifestyles. The present is an explanatory footnote, not a definition of Roma.
The experts in the IHRA’s Committee on the Genocide of the Roma were tasked with developing a working definition on antigypsyism/anti-Roma discrimination in 2017, as part of the IHRA Strategy to safeguard the record and counter distortion of the Holocaust and genocide of the Roma.
Roma are Europe’s largest ethnic minority and have experienced persecution and discrimination in the region for centuries. The urgent need for a working definition became undeniable in 2020 when, shortly after the IHRA adopted its 2020 Ministerial Declaration, which reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to countering antigypsyism/anti-Roma discrimination, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Across Europe, Roma were scapegoated and blamed for the virus’ spread, resulting in a rise in both anti-Roma hate and policy. A working definition based on the consensus of the IHRA’s Member Countries would provide the IHRA, governments, and civil society with a common understanding of the phenomenon, allowing for more productive discussions.
The text above is the result of the work within the IHRA’s Committee on the Genocide of the Roma, which consists of delegates from IHRA Member Countries across various disciplines. It was drafted during consultations and extra meetings of the Committee, and with representatives of Roma communities. All Working Group and Committee Chairs in 2019 and 2020 were also consulted, as were the Luxembourg and German IHRA Presidencies. The working definition was adopted by all IHRA Member Countries during an extraordinary Heads of Delegation meeting on 8 October 2020 under the German IHRA Presidency.
Since working definition’s adoption, the IHRA has used the tool to guide its work on the genocide of the Roma. For example, it enabled the creation of the IHRA Project drafting Recommendations for Teaching and Learning about the Persecution and Genocide of the Roma during the Nazi era, which began its work in 2022. It also formed the core of the IHRA’s response to discrimination against Roma refugees fleeing Ukraine.
Implementation of the working definition is ongoing and the IHRA commends those countries who have adopted the definition at the national level, including Austria, Croatia, Germany, Israel, North Macedonia, Slovakia, and the United Kingdom. Both in these countries and beyond, the working definition is being used by civil society organizations to, for example, counter antigypsysim/anti-Roma discrimination in sports associations, support youth activity, and develop training programs for professionals.
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