Vera Jourova, Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality, stated on behalf of the European Commission: “The Roma are forgotten victims of the Holocaust for many Europeans. Remembering their historical persecution reminds us of the need to tackle the challenges which they still face today and which are too often overlooked. Seven decades on, Sinti and Roma still face hatred, violence, discrimination and racism on a daily basis. This day, demands from us to firmly condemn, Antigypsyism in all its forms and show the courage to protect the vulnerable. (…) Remembering the atrocities of the Holocaust, this darkest chapter of European history, is essential for understanding Europe today, for understanding the true value of universal human rights, democracy, rule-of-law and non-discrimination on which our Union is built. Being and becoming European means to acknowledge and accept our common history.”
Michael Roth, Minister of State for Europe of Germany, emphasized: “The fight against antigypsyism requires courage and solidarity. We need many more partners in Europe who are resolutely committed to the largest ethnic minority in Europe and its rights. What is needed are politicians who can clearly be heard saying Stop when right-wing populists use old reflexes and bad prejudices. Sinti and Roma belong to us. The united Europe stands for diversity. And we must defend it even more resolutely against its enemies - nationalism, isolation and racism.”
On the evening of August 1, the Roma and Sinti Philharmonic performed the composition "Requiem for Auschwitz" by the Dutch Sinto Roger Moreno Rathgeb in Krakow under the musical direction of Riccardo M Sahiti. The Requiem is dedicated to all victims of the Auschwitz extermination camp, which stands as a symbol for the genocide crimes of the National Socialists. The music keeps alive the memory of the suffering. Beyond remembering, the composer would like his work to serve international understanding and the respectful interaction of people with one another. The Roma and Sinti Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 2002 to perform pieces of music rooted in the Roma and Sinti culture and to cultivate the musical heritage of the Roma and Sinti.