“Nazi ideology was based on racism and discrimination against Jews, but also against Roma and Travellers who were persecuted,” said John Warmisham, Congress Rapporteur on Roma, on the occasion of the International Holocaust Remembrance Day on 27 January 2020. “Even today, decades after the defeat of Nazism, violent attacks against Roma and anti-Gypsyism continue to persist across Europe. This must stop!” he stated.
“As local and regional elected representatives, we must publicly condemn all forms of discrimination and act together, on the ground, as close as possible to citizens to ensure that their rights are respected,” underlined the Congress rapporteur.
This is the aim of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, which has launched the European Alliance of Cities and Regions for Roma Inclusion, in order to create national networks of mayors, and a Declaration against Anti-Gypsyism to give all local and regional elected representatives in the 47 Council of Europe member states the opportunity to take a public stand against discrimination towards Roma. In addition, every two years the Congress awards the Dosta! Prize to municipalities that have implemented innovative initiatives for Roma inclusion.
The Secretary General of the Congress, Andreas Kiefer, will take part in the commemorative ceremony which will take place on 28 January 2020 in the forecourt of the Palais de l'Europe in Strasbourg, France.
