By honouring the memory of Roma genocide victims we help fight discrimination today, OSCE human rights head says

WARSAW, 2 August 2023 – Remembering the persecution and murder of the Roma by the Nazi regime is also a reminder of the ongoing need to combat the discrimination that Roma and Sinti communities face today, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said on today’s Roma Genocide Remembrance Day.

“Today we remember the Roma and Sinti who were vilified, targeted, and murdered by the Nazi regime simply for who they were,” said ODIHR Director Matteo Mecacci. “By commemorating the victims of the Roma genocide, we do not only honour their memory, but stand against the discrimination and hatred that many Roma face to this day.”

It was on 2 August 1944 that 4,300 Sinti and Roma were murdered in Auschwitz-Birkenau. ODIHR continues to support countries across the OSCE in remembering the Roma and Sinti who lost their lives during the Second World War and in helping to raise awareness of the fatal consequences of racist ideologies based on intolerance and hatred.

ODIHR recently joined other international organisations including the United Nations and the European Commission in #ProtectTheFacts. This global campaign to combat Holocaust distortion was developed by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, and emphasises that downplaying any crimes of the Nazi regime and its collaborators is an insult both to victims and survivors.

All OSCE countries have recognized “the particular difficulties faced by Roma and Sinti and the need to undertake effective measures in order to achieve full equality of opportunity” for Roma and Sinti. ODIHR continues to support OSCE countries in addressing anti-Roma hate crime and discrimination. The guidance contained in the Office’s recent Understanding Anti-Roma Hate Crimes and Addressing the Security Needs of Roma and Sinti Communities: A Practical Guide highlights measures that promote safety and security without discrimination. 

Every five years, ODIHR updates its findings on the implementation of the commitments made by OSCE countries to increase the participation of Roma and combat discrimination against them. This year’s report will assess the progress made over the last half-decade, as well as detailing the challenges that remain.