Antigypsyism/anti-Roma discrimination is a multifaceted phenomenon that has existed for centuries. The genocide of the Roma by the Nazis and their collaborators was driven by this entrenched prejudice. Unfortunately, historical oversight and lack of acknowledgment have allowed these biases to persist and propagate. Today, Roma communities continue to face significant discrimination. Commemoration and education are crucial in combating these enduring injustices, ensuring that such atrocities are neither forgotten nor repeated.
To commemorate the experiences of Roma victims during the Nazi era, the UK IHRA Presidency will host a national event in Newcastle on 2 August 2024. This will mark the 80th Commemoration of the Roma Genocide Remembrance Day and lay the foundation for the First Roma Genocide Remembrance Memorial in England. The event is being organized in collaboration with Roma Access Newcastle, with additional support from various organizations dedicated to working with Roma communities.
Newcastle holds significant importance for the Roma communities in the UK, making it a fitting place for this first-of-its-kind memorial. The council was the first in the UK to elect a Roma migrant as councilor. Furthermore, it has demonstrated a clear commitment to recognizing the genocide of the Roma. They have previously collaborated with Roma Access charity on Holocaust-related events and now, have agreed to host this memorial.
The program will feature a memorial ceremony to mark the location of the Roma Memorial and a commemoration to honor the victims of the Roma genocide. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from Roma descendants of Nazi regime victims and gain insights into their experiences through exhibitions. Additionally, there will be a brief address from the UK IHRA Presidency.
This event is both a reflection on historical atrocities and a hopeful step towards a future where everyone’s dignity and rights are safeguarded.
You can find more details below.
Part One: Memorial Ceremony (12:00 – 12:30)
Location: Haymarket Lane Memorial Garden, Civic Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7PF
Part Two: Commemoration Event (13:00 – 14:30)
Location: Romanian Centre – West Fifteen Whickham View #Unit 21, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE15 6UN
