roma
- Definition
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Roma are an ethnic group with a long history in Europe. With their rich culture and language, Roma have deeply embedded values about how to act, live and be. Commonly identified through their clothing and appearance, the Roma community lives within their own familial and societal structures across the world. During the 1st World Romani Congress in 1971, the term ‘Roma’ was chosen for their nation, which is the plural of ’rom’ (human). ‘Roma’ here refers to a variety of groups of people who describe themselves as Roma, Gypsies, Travellers, Manouches, Ashkali, Sinti and other titles. Both ’Roma’ and ’Gypsy’ can be used positively and pejoratively. Today, there are more than 10 million people in Europe calling themselves Roma. They are the largest ethnic group in Europe who do not have their own nation state. Most Roma live in Central or Eastern Europe. They migrated from India hundreds of years ago, and have representation all across the world today. Roma are constantly sidelined and misunderstood in these societies. They can face massive social prejudice and exclusion, low levels of education and employment, along with discrimination in terms of housing and healthcare. Various international NGOs and activists routinely advocate for better human rights for Roma. The Council of Europe plays an active role in monitoring and encouraging governments in this way too.References: Legal Defence Bureau for National and Ethnic Minorities, Council of Europe
- Information
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Council of Europe information on Roma and Travellers
- Sources
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Related focus
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25 July, 2014
ROMA GENOCIDE REMEMBRANCE DAY
2 August 2014 marks the 70th anniversary of the remembrance day of the Roma Genocide. On this action day the campaign aims to raise awareness about the Roma Genocide, and about antigypsyism, hate speech and hate crimes against Roma in the past and present. The initiative aims to advocate for a wider official recognition of the Roma Genocide in Europe and for the formal establishment of August 2nd as the memorial day of the Roma Genocide. The Hate Speech Watch invites you to report any online hate speech content that aims against Roma people or content that denies the Roma Genocide. View
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21 March, 2013
Roma people in Europe - tendencies of discrimination
The Hate Speech Watch will focus on discrimination of Roma people in Europeas the first focus of the month in April. The 8 April is the International Roma Day, a celebration of Romani culture that aims to raise awareness of the issues facing Roma people. Since 1990, the Day draws attention to discrimination directed at Roma and Gypsy communities globally. View
