Statement by Anna Karamanou for the International Roma Day

On the occasion of April ⁸, the International Day dedicated to Roma people worldwide, or Gypsies as we refer to them in our country, I would like to make the following statement:

1. It is a fact that the approximately 15 million Roma/Gypsies around the world face daily discrimination, rejection, persecution, exclusion, and violations of their rights in all areas – the labor market, education, healthcare, housing, social and political rights. In many countries, even within the European Union, there are frequent instances of racist and police violence against Roma, who are treated as scapegoats for a range of social problems, due to the perpetuation of prejudices and negative stereotypes.

2. In Greece, the first serious efforts to improve the living standards and develop policies for the Roma began only in 1996, with the establishment of a special office under the Prime Minister and the design and implementation of housing, education, and social welfare programs. However, serious issues of discrimination and violations of fundamental rights persist, with perhaps the most acute being the deprivation of basic goods, such as water and sanitary conditions (Aspropyrgos settlement), or electricity and transportation for children to school (Spata settlement). It should be noted that in both of these cases, as in many others, the responsibilities of the local municipalities are significant.

3. Without a doubt, both at the national and European level, we need a comprehensive and coherent policy for the full and practical legal recognition of the fundamental freedoms and social, individual, and collective rights of the Roma living in Greece and in the Union. There needs to be recognition of their culture, their unique identity, and the protection of their language and way of life, within the framework of modern multicultural societies. The publication of the joint report for Greece by the European Roma Rights Centre and the Greek Helsinki Monitor can fuel the public debate on the human rights of the Roma and lead to improvements in their living conditions.

Finally, on the occasion of the International Roma Day, let us remember one of the most important poems by Kostis Palamas, the “Dodecalogue of the Gypsy”, where the Greek Roma is portrayed as a symbol of free thought, sensitivity, and communal life.

For more information: Anna Karamanou’s Office (Athens): 777 5223, 777 4654.

e-mail: [email protected]