Statement

2010

ITF Chair’s statement on the situation of the Roma in Europe

The IHRA strongly condemns acts of discrimination and hatred towards the Roma community in Europe, calling on the international community to protect minority rights.

As the Chair of an organization dedicated to the remembrance of the Holocaust and the victims of genocide during the Second World War, I am deeply troubled to see the Roma subjected to racial prejudice, hate crimes, expulsions, and even in some cases murder.

I condemn these practices and call on all governments to protect the rights of this vulnerable minority, whose communities still suffer from their persecution and genocide under Nazi rule.

In December 2009, ITF (now IHRA) Member Countries unanimously pledged to “prevent discrimination against the Roma and protect the Roma communities”, and with that I urge us all to continue such efforts and to defend the civil and human rights of the Roma in the countries in which they live.