Tag: antigypsyism

Human Rights Day – A call for transitional & reparative justice for Roma

Written by: Stelina Dungaj, ERGO Network 

Human Rights Day, celebrated annually on December 10th, serves a reminder of our shared commitment to upholding freedom, security, peace and justice, rights which are, unfortunately, unattainable for many, including the Roma community – the largest minority group in Europe. Roma communities have long endured discrimination, marginalisation, and exclusion.

For centuries, they have fought against systemic racism and forced assimilation, with the scars of historical injustices still visible today. This day serves as an opportunity to reflect on the struggles of the Roma and the importance of addressing both past wrongs and ongoing inequalities.

The historical injustices faced by Roma, including forced sterilisation, the Roma Genocide, and the systemic discrimination they faced during the Holocaust, continue to have a profound impact on their lives. This legacy of oppression has left deep wounds that are perpetuated by modern-day antigypsyism—a pervasive form of racism that still shapes the experiences of Roma across Europe. 

Today, Roma NGOs and advocates call for transitional justice—a process that acknowledges past wrongs and helps to heal the trauma caused by centuries of systemic racism, in an effort to seek reparations, recognition of historical injustices, and the dismantling of the structural barriers that continue to hinder their social and economic inclusion.

The need for transitional justice is not only about rectifying the past; it is about addressing present-day discrimination that continues to affect Roma communities. Many Roma continue to face obstacles in accessing education, healthcare, housing, and employment, and are disproportionately affected by poverty and social exclusion. These ongoing injustices are deeply linked to the systemic racism that traces back to centuries of antigypsyism, which remain entrenched in various societal structures.

To effectively address the multifaceted issues faced by Roma communities, particularly the specific forms of racism they endure, a comprehensive and proactive approach is required. One critical step to address historical injustices is through education. This includes the integration of Roma history, culture and language into school curricula at all levels of education.

This would help foster empathy, understanding and respect for the Roma people, thus breaking the cycle of discrimination that perpetuates exclusion. Educating the broader population about the historical and contemporary struggles of the Roma is a crucial step toward building a more inclusive society.  

Additionally, empowering Roma individuals to take leadership roles in various sectors is essential for ensuring that their voices heard, and concerns are addressed. By ensuring Roma representation in all leadership positions, in government, education or inter-governmental organisations, it would bring invaluable perspectives of the lived experiences of the communities, necessary to create more informed and culturally sensitive policies. Furthermore, such representation serves as a powerful symbol of equality and empowerment, showing that Roma can thrive in leadership roles and that their contributions are vital to the growth and success of society.  

However, Roma inclusion requires more than just representation; it requires the active dismantling of the structures of racism and exclusion that have persisted for centuries. Antigypsyism is a complex and deeply entrenched form of racism that operates both institutionally and socially, creating barriers to Roma’s full participation in society. This form of racism does not only manifest in individual prejudices but is also embedded in societal systems, from the police force to education and employment.

Combating antigypsyism requires a comprehensive and proactive approach that addresses both the historical and contemporary dimensions of this issue. Transitional justice for Roma must involve more than symbolic recognition; it requires concrete measures to address the ongoing impacts of historical trauma. This includes not only educational reforms and leadership opportunities but also reparative justice initiatives that directly address the social and economic inequalities Roma face.

Roma communities need support in overcoming the barriers to full participation in society—barriers that stem from the discrimination and violence of the past but are sustained by the pervasive stereotypes and systemic racism that continue today. 

For this reason, on December 10^th, 2024, ERGO Network has officially launched the European Working Group on Antigypsyism and Transitional Justice for Roma. This event has brought together policymakers, experts, and Roma leaders from across Europe to discuss critical issues facing Roma communities and to advance the cause of transitional justice.

The aim of the Working Group is to provide a platform for political advocacy and strategic development, focusing on creating frameworks for transitional justice mechanisms at both national and EU levels. Through this collective action, the Working Group seeks to transform the way Roma communities are treated, advocating for a future where their rights, dignity, and history are fully recognised and respected. 

The importance of this initiative was underscored by the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, who expressed strong support for the Working Group during his speech on Human Rights Day. He highlighted the persistent and widespread human rights abuses faced by Roma communities and emphasised the need to confront the past while addressing ongoing injustices.

Stressing that antigypsyism remains pervasive today, O’Flaherty called attention to the collective responsibility of non-Roma communities in perpetuating prejudices and urged for localised, country-specific approaches to transitional justice. He commended the Working Group’s mission and focus on justice and redress, calling for sustained efforts to uphold the dignity and rights of Roma people. 

Thus, for the Roma community, this day it is not only a moment to reflect on the past but also a call for action – a moment to acknowledge the enduring impact of historical injustices and the pervasive influence of antigypsyism. The fight for Roma justice is a fight for human rights and equality.

It is a call to break the cycles of exclusion, discrimination, and violence that have persisted for centuries. The struggle for Roma inclusion must be an integral part of the broader fight for human rights everywhere. Addressing the challenges faced by Roma communities requires a multifaceted approach that combines historical recognition, inclusive education, systemic reform, and empowerment.

Only by working together—governments, civil society, international organisations, and Roma themselves—can we create a world where no one is left behind, and human rights are truly universal. Today, let us commit to ensuring that the fight for justice and equality for Roma becomes a central part of the broader movement for human rights and social justice around the world. 

Click here to see the video message from Michael O’ Flaherty, Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe for the Launch of the European Working Group on Antigypsyism and Transitional Justice for Roma