The Coalition on Roma Holocaust Education, Remembrance and Recognition has received with deep sadness the news of the passing of Dumitru Miclescu, a Roma Holocaust survivor, at the age of 92.

Mr Miclescu was a powerful and dignified voice for recognition, remembrance, and justice. On 27 January 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration and extermination camp Auschwitz II-Birkenau, he addressed the international community at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. This marked the first time that a Romani Holocaust survivor from Romania was given the floor at this commemorative ceremony.

In his speech, he underscored the importance of acknowledgement and education, stating: “Recognition is the first step toward justice, and justice is the basis of healing.” He called for global recognition of the Roma Holocaust and for its meaningful inclusion in education systems.

The Coalition pays tribute to Mr Miclescu’s legacy and commitment to truth and remembrance. His voice contributed significantly to advancing awareness of the Roma and Sinti Holocaust and to the fight against antigypsyism. The Coalition extends its most sincere condolences to Mr Miclescu’s family and loved ones.

 The Coalition on Roma Holocaust Education, Remembrance and Recognition was initiated within the framework of the joint European Union – Council of Europe programme on Roma Holocaust remembrance and education (“JP RomaMemory”). It brings together key international actors to strengthen awareness, recognition, and education about the Roma Holocaust, and to counter discrimination and antigypsyism through its integration into public discourse, media, and educational systems. Its members include the Council of Europe (Roma and Travellers Division; Observatory on History Teaching in Europe), the European Commission (DG Justice, Unit D2 – Non-discrimination: Anti-racism and Roma coordination), the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA Permanent Office and Committee on the Genocide of the Roma), the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR/CPRSI), the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture (ERIAC), ternYpe International Roma Youth Network (Dikh He Na Bister initiative), the Central Council of German Sinti and Roma, and the European Holocaust Research Infrastructure (EHRI), which has recently been invited to join.