Recognition of the Roma Genocide

 Recognition, official texts

In Azerbaijan, the Holocaust is recognised as such but there is no information whether the Roma are recognised or not as victims of the Genocide.

 Data (camps locations, Remembrance places, measures etc.)

Azerbaijan observes 27th January as the “Day of the Victims of the Holocaust Genocide”.

The day was chosen to coincide with the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust. Holocaust victims are also commemorated during the events held on the anniversary of the victory over fascism, celebrated each year on 9th May.

In particular, the State Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan for the Work with Religious Organisations participates each 27th January in meetings organised by Jewish communities to commemorate the Holocaust. The State Committee for the Work with Religious Organisations recommends to religious communities in Azerbaijan that they provide the public with information about national genocide days, hold commemorative ceremonies and recognize the Holocaust in their religious services. The day has been commemorated every year since the restoration of Azerbaijan’s independence.

 Specialised institution, commission, research centre etc., dealing with this issue

There is no specialised institution or research centre dealing only with the issue of the Genocide of the Roma.

 Official initiatives (campaigns, actions, projects, commemoration days, museums)

In Azerbaijan there is no special commemoration day of the Roma Genocide.

Each year, in connection with the Holocaust Memorial Day, the “Alley of Martyrs” in Baku is the site of visits. Meetings, roundtables, conferences and other gatherings are organised in various State, public and private institutions, in both Muslim and other communities. In some instances, commemoration of Holocaust victims is held concurrently with remembrance of victims of other events and tragedies occurring in Azerbaijan in the twentieth century.

On 17th October 2012, an International Symposium was held in Baku on “The Role of Azerbaijan in Preventing Holocaust in the Caucasus during the Second World War”. The government also encourages non-governmental organizations to conduct events to mark Holocaust Remembrance Day in Azerbaijan. One example of an unofficial event to commemorate the Holocaust was a meeting organized between the Baku Office of the United Nations and the Ministry of Youth and Sport, which took place on 28 January 2008.

State secondary schools and institutions of higher education are involved in commemoration activities.