President Milanović: Marking of International Roma Day Important for Whole of Croatian Society

08. April 2021.
16:23

The President of the Republic of Croatia Zoran Milanović released the following congratulatory message on the occasion of International Roma Day:

“Today, in an independent Republic of Croatia, Roma have their own state, a state that wants them as equal citizens, but also a state that, being aware of the unique fate and living conditions of Roma women and men, must especially take responsibility for improving their living conditions, apart from having officially recognized their minority status.

The problems that have traditionally plagued the Roma national minority have not disappeared. In some places they have diminished, but in others they are still very pronounced. Patient and organized joint efforts will help the most in solving them. Equality should not be a constitutional abstraction. The upbringing and education of Roma children and young people from preschool to university level is most closely linked to employment, housing, health care and the availability of cultural facilities.

Equality can be clearly measured by the number of Roma children attending schools and universities, the social status and standard of infrastructure of Roma families, as well as employment opportunities of Roma women and men in various segments of social and economic life. Cultural promotion and scientific affirmation of the Romani language, as well as political affirmation at all levels are an integral part of the same mission and goal. Therefore, the marking of International Roma Day in Croatia is culturally and politically important for the whole of Croatian society, not just symbolically but also in terms of content.

Bearing in mind the importance of this day, I extend my congratulations on International Roma Day.”

Adviser for Human Rights and Civil Society of the President of the Republic Melita Mulić was the President’s envoy at an event marking International Roma Day, which was held today at the National and University Library in Zagreb. The event was organized by KALI SARA, the Alliance of Roma in Croatia, in cooperation with Councils and representatives of the Roma minority in the Republic of Croatia and Parliament Member Veljko Kajtazi.