President Milanović Receives Association of World Roma Organization in the Fight against Discrimination, Racism and Poverty

The President of the Republic Zoran Milanović received today a delegation of the Association of the World Roma Organization in the fight against discrimination, racism and poverty. They acquainted him with their activities aimed at eliminating discrimination, racism and poverty by assembling Roma and other national minorities in various forms of sports and recreational activities.

They informed President Milanović of their representatives leaving for an audience with Pope Francis on 21 November in the Vatican where a humanitarian football match will be played between the representatives of Roma in Croatia and the representation of the Vatican. They view Pope Francis’s decision to receive them as recognition for their fight against discrimination and racism in the world. Organizer of the event is Msgr. Melchor Sanchez de Toca, Under-secretary of the Pontifical Council for Culture and Board Director of the Sport of the Vatican, in cooperation with Nikola Kriković, Association member. The Stadio dei Marmi in the Foro Italico sports complex has been booked for the match.

At the meeting they also discussed the status of Roma in Croatia. The representatives of the Association thanked President Milanović for his support to events aimed at the promotion and protection of the rights of Roma. Attending the meeting with President Milanović were the president of the Association of the World Roma Organization in the fight against discrimination, racism and poverty Toti Dedić, vice-president Elmir Mehmedović, secretary Antonio Dedić and Association members Rehat Ristemi, Nikola Kriković, Nadir Dedić, Damir Azizi, Suljo Seferović, Suljo Seferović Jr and Mazen Al Ahmad.

Alongside President Milanović was his Adviser for Human Rights and Civil Society Melita Mulić.

PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Filip Glas