On a cold winter morning in London, the sharp chill added to the somber history of persecution and resistance to be discussed within Lancaster House. Yet, within the ornate halls, a warmth slowly began to grow – one borne from stories of survival, resilience, and agency. As the participants of the 3rd International IHRA Conference on the Persecution and Genocide of Roma during the Nazi Era gathered, they brought with them not only archival evidence and expert insights but also deeply personal experiences that humanized history and underscored the urgency for action.
The choice of London as the conference location held particular significance. In 1971, it was here that Roma leaders gathered for the First Roma Congress, a defining moment in the Roma civil rights movement. It was here that the Roma flag and anthem were adopted, giving Roma communities symbols of identity and unity.
Among the voices that set the tone for the day was Mirjam Karoly (Academic Working Group, Austria), a political scientist whose career has been shaped by her family’s history. “My father was born in Lackenbach, a concentration camp in Austria,” she shared, her voice both steady and reflective.
“They were not silent. They were kept silent.”
Growing up, Mirjam sensed the unspoken pain surrounding her father’s story – a silence imposed not by choice, but by an environment that refused to listen. “They were not silent. They were kept silent,”she said. It was this silence, and the injustice of unacknowledged suffering, that pushed Mirjam to dedicate her life to changing the narrative. Her reflections resonated deeply, as attendees from varied backgrounds connected with her story of inherited resilience.
History Through a Human Lens
The keynote panel, Stories Untold: Roma Agency and Action During and After the Nazi Era, brought together historians Dr. Karola Fings (Academic Working Group, Germany), Emeritus Professor Eve Rosenhaft (University of Liverpool), and Professor Celia Donert (University of Cambridge) to share stories of Roma resistance and survival. Dr. Fings’ presentation recounted the courageous acts of individuals like Friedrich Steiner, who maintained communication with his family while imprisoned in Buchenwald, and Hans Braun, who escaped Nazi capture seven times. Their stories were not just about survival but about defiance – about finding ways to resist dehumanization.
Professor Rosenhaft delved into Britain’s wartime legacy, honoring the contributions of British Roma soldiers and examining Britain’s role in challenging Nazi persecution. Her reflections connected the actions of British soldiers to the broader historical narrative, emphasizing the responsibility of remembering and acting on these lessons today.
The keynote panel on Stories Untold: Roma Agency and Action During and After the Nazi Era
Extending this discussion into the post-war period, Professor Donert spoke on how Roma survivors were often ignored or dismissed when seeking recognition for their suffering. The lingering legacies of discrimination, she explained, continued to shape Roma experiences long after the war ended. Yet, as the historians spoke, the focus remained on the strength and courage of Roma individuals who acted in the face of overwhelming oppression.
By centering their narratives on agency, the panelists underscored the importance of reclaiming Roma voices and histories – a critical step towards challenging the enduring stereotypes and injustices faced by Roma communities today.
The Power of Dialogue: Roma Voices and Political Action
Another panel, Agency and Activism: Looking Back to the First Roma Congress & Forward to Activism Today, shifted the focus to the present, emphasizing the influence of Roma advocates in challenging systemic injustices and inspiring reform.
Swedish author and activist Fred Taikon spoke of his family’s multi-generational commitment to Roma rights. “My grandfather started to work with Roma issues in 1935. My father took after him, then my sister, then me. Now it is my daughter and my grandson,” he said, capturing the endurance that has come to characterize Roma activism.
For Dafina Savic (Museums and Memorials Working Group, Canada), activism was born from frustration. In Canada, where she works, achieving official recognition of the Roma genocide took years. Despite this milestone, Dafina explained, political change remains elusive at times: “It’s easier for states to recognize the past than to address the present.” Her powerful plea for shared responsibility resonated deeply: “Roma alone cannot carry this burden. Outrage must be shared.”
“My grandfather started to work with Roma issues in 1935. My father took after him... Now it is my daughter and my grandson.”
A poignant moment of the discussion came during an exchange between Dafina and Deborah Lyons, Head of the Canadian Delegation and Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism, who was present in the audience. “How do we get governments to improve their position? And how do we help them to pacify and reinforce their outrage effectively?” Deborah asked.
As Dafina responded, her message was clear: “Be outraged with us.” She further asked that officials respond to reports, acknowledge the atrocities, and take action within their power. This moment illustrated the unique role IHRA plays as a bridge between political will and grassroots expertise – ensuring discussions lead to policy reforms.
Miranda Vuolasranta, President, European Roma and Travellers Forum at the Q&A session
A Call for Shared Outrage and Responsibility
The morning panels set the stage with stories of resistance and survival; in the afternoon, the focus shifted to how Roma leaders are carrying this legacy into the present.
The Q&A revealed a shared determination to build on existing progress. One speaker called for increased engagement with Roma civil society, stressing the importance of empowering Roma voices and ensuring that their insights guide the implementation of educational and anti-discrimination initiatives.
“This is not a favor; It is a right.”
The conference also underscored the importance of IHRA’s role in building an international community. By bringing together policymakers, educators, and Roma leaders, IHRA provides a forum for dialogue and collaboration – not just in theory. Real progress requires both strategic focus and expertise.
The conference ended with a call-to-action for to all participants: to amplify Roma voices, foster shared outrage, and take concrete steps to combat anti-Roma discrimination. As Lord Eric Pickles, IHRA Chair, UK Presidency, reminded the audience, “This is not a favor; It is a right.”
Lord Eric Pickles, IHRA Chair, UK Presidency, addressing the conference
From Reflections to Reform
These calls for outrage echo the urgency of addressing ignorance through education, a cornerstone of the IHRA Recommendations for Teaching and Learning about the Persecution and Genocide of Roma During the Nazi Era. The Recommendations, launched in London, offer educators and policymakers a path to ensure these untold stories are taught with honesty, dignity, and care.
We invite you to download and share the Recommendations – and help inspire meaningful teaching, foster understanding, and, above all, amplify Roma voices.
IHRA Recommendations for Teaching and Learning about the Persecution and Genocide of the Roma during the Nazi Era
With the publication of these Recommendations, the IHRA seeks to provide a strong foundation to support countries in including the history of the persecution of Roma in mainstream research, memory culture, and education. These Recommendations aim to assist not only policymakers but also educators and practitioners in their efforts.
For Mirjam Karoly, education about the genocide of the Roma is necessary for building just and inclusive societies. The IHRA Recommendations for Teaching and Learning about the Persecution and Genocide of the Roma during the Nazi Era are a step towards cultivating authentic empathy for Roma lives.
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