European Parliament Commemorates Roma Holocaust Memorial Day: President Metsola Stresses Equality to Prevent History from Repeating

"Equality Should Prevail Over Discrimination: A Call to Remember" – President Metsola

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The European Parliament commemorates European Roma Holocaust Memorial Day, paying tribute to the Sinti and Roma who were victims of the Nazi regime.

The European Parliament is commemorating European Roma Holocaust Memorial Day, joining the global community in honoring the memory of the 500,000 Sinti and Roma who suffered horrific acts during the Nazi occupation of Europe.

During the night spanning August 2 and 3, 1944, the final 4,300 Sinti and Roma in the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp were killed, predominantly comprising women, children, and the elderly. Today, the European Parliament commemorates these atrocities against humanity and underscores the significance of raising our voices against such acts.

On this serious day, the European Parliament reflects on the important lessons from initially acknowledging the Roma and Sinti Holocaust and emphasizes that Romani individuals should have equal rights and treatment as every other European citizen.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola declared, "We honor the Roma and Sinti communities for their valuable contributions to the diverse culture of our European societies today. Europe must uphold its core principles: the rule of law, democracy, and equality. Complacency opens the door for history to repeat itself."

Even after 80 years, a significant number of Romani individuals in Europe remain marginalized. President Metsola emphasized, “In our Europe, we value our diverse traditions, cultures, and uniqueness. Therefore, Roma people should have the same opportunities and prospects as any other European citizen.”

Starting in 2015, the European Parliament has observed the European Roma Holocaust Memorial Day annually on August 2nd.

Contacts:

Jüri Laas

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