Zdjęcia w artykule: Andrzej Rudiak
The IHRA adopts
working definition of antigypsyism/anti-Roma discrimination
The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) announced the adoption of an internationally accepted non-legally binding working definition of antigypsyism/anti-Roma discrimination*, emphasising the importance of remembering the genocide of Roma, and acknowledging that the neglect of this genocide has contributed to the prejudice and discrimination that many Roma communities experience today.
„Antigypsyism/anti-Roma discrimination is a manifestation of individual expressions and acts as well as institutional policies and practices of marginalization, exclusion, physical violence, devaluation of Roma cultures and lifestyles, and hate speech directed at Roma as well as other individuals and groups perceived, stigmatized, or persecuted during the Nazi era, and still today, as “Gypsies.” This leads to the treatment of Roma as an alleged alien group and associates them with a series of pejorative stereotypes and distorted images that represent a specific form of racism.”
As anti-Roma sentiment has surged during the coronavirus pandemic, IHRA Member Countries recognise that urgent action is crucial.
Therefore, this definition, adopted by consensus by all of the IHRA’s 34 Member Countries, is the first ever IHRA decision taken outside its biannual Plenary meetings. All IHRA decisions represent a shared understanding on key issues. This non-legally binding working definition will guide the IHRA in its work in advancing education, remembrance and research on the genocide of Roma. It also serves as an educational tool that will raise awareness and enhance understanding of the continued discrimination Roma face every day.
Member Countries consulted with Roma communities during the drafting and negotiation process, resulting in many suggested amendments which were incorporated into the final agreed definition.
The IHRA’s adoption of this working definition is well timed, as in January this year, ministers and high-ranking government representatives from 35 countries gathered in Brussels to adopt the 2020 IHRA Ministerial Declaration to ensure the world remembers the Holocaust and works to contribute to a world without genocide.
The working definition is an important contribution to the implementation of Article 4 of the Ministerial Declaration, in which Member Countries pledged to “remember the genocide of the Roma. We acknowledge with concern that the neglect of this genocide has contributed to the prejudice and discrimination that many Roma communities still experience today."
The adoption of a working definition on antigypsyism/anti-Roma discrimination has always been a priority of the German Presidency of IHRA, who assumed the leadership role in March 2020.