by Giorgos Tsitiridis, Project Coordinator, Northern Greece, SolidarityNow
April 8th has been declared the International Romani Day in honor of the first major international meeting of Romani representatives, April 1971 in Chelsfield near London, which laid the foundations to demand rights from the international community. There, representatives of 14 countries chose the name Roma as the international name for gypsies, since until then they had – and still have today – many other names, by which they identify themselves. Five committees were established to deal with education, housing, language, culture, and civilization.
Social exclusion, poverty, and inequalities did not allow the Roma to become part of the changes and development experienced by Europe and the Balkans after the atrocities and the Holocaust of World War ΙΙ, on the contrary, they were the victims of every subsequent global crisis. The fall of the communist regime once again found them on the sidelines. Victims of ethnic cleansing in the war in Yugoslavia were driven to persecution, refugee status, and migration toward a better future.
Their social exclusion, poverty, access to health, work and education as well marginalization and racism are enhanced by the economic crisis, the rising unemployment, the current energy crisis and climate change, the often-inadequate living conditions in settlements without electricity, running water, and basic infrastructure, issues of main importance.
SolidarityNow, through its Solidarity Centers in Athens and Thessaloniki, has offered its services to lots of Roma in need. Since 2021, the organization has been collaborating with the Roma Branch of the Katerini Community Center in the implementation of women’s empowerment activities and information on child nutrition, women’s health, parenthood, and pregnancy. In addition, it participates in the Roma Civil Monitor National Partnership 2021-2025 for the monitoring of the National Roma Strategy.
Despite the chronic problems plaguing their settlements, Roma themselves fight daily against the bad conditions, having managed to save over the centuries, their language, history, and culture.
Today is an opportunity to reflect and act against stereotypes and prejudice. Today, we celebrate and stand next to each one proudly.