The participants at the seminar Roma Youth Together joined their voices and their hands at a ceremony marking the 2023 International Roma Day held at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg.
Bjørn Berge, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe expressed gratitude for the rich contribution that Roma and Travellers make to European life, notably through crafts, languages, arts, music, song and danse. He regretted that Roma and Travellers are subjected to violence on the basis of pure prejudice. The recommendation on Roma Youth Participation adopted on 5 April by the 46 member states of the Council of Europe should help making Roma more active, visible and represented in a whole range of ways.
Véronique Bertholle, deputy to the Mayor of the city of Strasbourg, saluted also the adoption of the recommendation and emphasised the important role of local authorities in including Roma youth in their policies and supporting social inclusion.
Ioana Spataru, speaking on behalf of the young Roma people present at the ceremony noted that many days in the calendar are about the suffering and pain caused to Roma throughout history. But 8 April, International Roma Day is different: is a day to celebrate Roma communities and identity, the creation of a flag to unite, the adoption of an anthem and of a name to federate Roma across the world. She expressed the hope that 5 April, day of adoption of the Recommendation on Roma youth participation, will become a new date to celebrate for the recognition and perspectives it represents for young Roma across Europe.
The participants casted red flowers to celebrate while Jelem, Jelem, the Roma anthem was played.
