Honoring Sinti and Roma Genocide in WWII

On August 2, Europe observes the Holocaust Memorial Day for Sinti and Roma, honoring the estimated 250,000 to 500,000 individuals from these ethnic minorities who were murdered during the Nazi regime, particularly at Auschwitz-Birkenau. This year marks the 80th anniversary of this tragic genocide, which remains a significant chapter in the history of Europe’s largest ethnic minority, comprising approximately ten to twelve million people, with around six million residing in the European Union. Despite recent advancements in legal protections for the Roma population, including laws against discrimination and the recognition of anti-gypsyism as a hate crime, challenges persist. Access to housing and education remains limited, and socio-economic disparities continue to affect the community. In North Macedonia, Roma are constitutionally recognized, while Serbia faces criticism from the European Commission Against Racism and Intolerance for insufficient measures to combat discrimination against Roma and LGBTQ communities. In Austria, while some Roma have gained representation in local councils and benefit from a national program established in 2007, deep-rooted prejudices and socio-economic hardships hinder their integration. The community continues to grapple with issues such as unemployment, poor living conditions, and low educational participation, exacerbated by societal biases that often blame them for violence and discrimination. Bulgaria is also taking steps to address these issues, with the National Council for Cooperation on Ethnic and Integration Issues recently approving a monitoring report on its National Strategy for Roma Equality, Inclusion, and Participation for 2021 to 2030. However, the role of social media in perpetuating hate speech and disinformation remains a critical concern that needs to be addressed.