Roma and Travellers constitute the largest minority in Europe, yet they continue to face deep-rooted social exclusion and prejudice. Antigypsyism as a specific form of racism constitutes the root cause of social exclusion. Widespread bias and stigmatisation, often fuelled by harmful stereotypes, pave the way for persistent discrimination in key areas of life, including education, healthcare, employment and housing.
This is the result of various factors, including the lack of awareness of the culture and history of Roma and Travellers, with the persistent exclusion and marginalisation they have faced for centuries. The Roma Holocaust perpetrated by the Nazi regime and its collaborators, when hundreds of thousands of Roma and Sinti were persecuted and murdered, stands as the most extreme and tragic consequence of such dehumanisation, but it is far from being the only one.
Remembrance and education are essential tools to prevent and combat prejudice against Roma and Travellers and to promote their full inclusion in the political, social and cultural life of Council of Europe member States. Acknowledging past injustices and recognising the contribution of Roma and Travellers to Europe’s shared history are key to building more cohesive and equal societies. The Parliamentary Assembly is best placed to promote this approach, building on the experience and expertise of the Council of Europe in fostering historically accurate knowledge of the plight of Roma and Travellers. The Assembly should identify and disseminate successful policies and initiatives in the field of remembrance and education, ranging from school teaching to commemorations such as the European Holocaust Memorial Day for Roma and Sinti, and wider awareness-raising campaigns. Anti-discrimination education should consistently highlight the link between past and present forms of exclusion, helping to prevent history from repeating itself and strengthen social cohesion across Europe.