World Roma Day: Ethnic groups reflect the diversity of Austria

Inclusion of Roma and Sinti as a special concern of the Austrian Parliament

Vienna (PK) – On April 8, 1971, the first World Roma Congress took place in London. That was the start of the Roma civil rights movement. Since then there have been action events worldwide on April 8th to draw attention to the situation of this minority.

Even 30 years after the Roma were recognized by the Republic of Austria, members of this minority are still confronted with exclusion, discrimination and antigypsyism. “Roma and Sinti are considered to be one of the most persecuted groups in human history. Despite their official recognition as an ethnic group 30 years ago, their social integration is not yet complete,” says National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka. For Sobotka, ethnic groups reflect the linguistic and identity-forming diversity of Austria: “Their inclusion is a special concern of Parliament.”

In January of this year, the National Council spoke unanimously in favor of introducing a national day of remembrance (PK No. 92/2023) for Roma and Sinti: on August 2nd of each year, the Roma and Romnja as well as Sinti and Sintizze should be commemorated who were killed by the Nazi regimes were persecuted and murdered.

On May 17, an event entitled “1993-2023 – 30 years of recognition of the Roma as an ethnic group in Austria” will take place in Parliament. (close) red