President Klaus Iohannis on Monday sent a message on the occasion of the Day of the Liberation of the Roma in which he says that Romania is today „an example of inter-ethnic relations that are based on respect for the cultural and linguistic identity of each minority and in which inter-institutional communication works for the common good”, according to Agerpres.

„Roma Liberation Day is an occasion for us to honour the memory of all those who suffered for freedom and human dignity, a moment to reflect more on the importance of observing fundamental human rights, a day to condemn racism, xenophobia and hatred. It is, at the same time, an opportunity for the Romanian authorities to take full accountability for our country’s involvement in the Roma Holocaust, in those dark days of humanity, but also to reaffirm our commitment to never allow something similar to happen again. Beyond promises, what matters is the concrete measures adopted to currently ensure dignified and non-discriminatory conditions for life, work, education and healthcare for the members of the Roma minority. In this context, I want to emphasize the importance of reaching as soon as possible all the targets established by the Romanian Government Strategy for the inclusion of the Romanian citizens belonging to the Roma minority for the period 2022-2027, through the close collaboration between central and local authorities, public institutions and civil society,” the head of state said in his message that was presented by presidential advisor Sergiu Nistor at the „Roma for Romania” event.

President Iohannis states that the numerous Roma minority „participates in building the common future of our nation, built on solidarity.”

„The liberation of 167 years ago is part of our history, but its message, that of seeking and honouring freedom, remains valid today and we must renew it every day, through work, through culture and education!” says Iohannis.

The head of state recalls that 167 years ago the Roma in our country gained their freedom.

„In the historical process of Romania’s modernization, the liberation meant not only the carrying out of an act of justice for the Roma, but also a fundamental moment for the dignity of the Romanian people and their rapprochement to European humanistic values. The emancipation of the Roma from the mid-19th century did not lead to the elimination of discriminations, which could not be erased by the proclamation of equal rights. Prejudices were not overcome either, they remained in the public mind, despite the sacrifices of the Roma in the War of Independence or in the War of Reunification. Instead of bringing emancipation in the economic, social and political of the Roma, the 20th century went down in history with the crimes of the Antonescu Government and the thousands of victims of deportations, racism and hatred. After the Revolution of December 1989, our European course recorded a clear separation from the politics of the communist regime, which has constantly sought to blur the existence and cultural identity of the Roma minority,” added President Iohannis.

Agerpres