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International Romani Day marked in Croatia

Author: Roberta Mlinarić

ZAGREB, 8 April (Hina) - International Romani Day was marked at the National and University Library in Zagreb on Thursday, in tribute to the first World Romani Congress, held in London 50 years ago, and the ceremony was also attended by Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, winner of the Kali Sara award.

The Kali Sara association of Croatian Roma every year presents its award to public figures and politicians who, with their long-standing work, have contributed to the development and improvement of the status of the Roma community in Croatia.

This year's winner, PM Plenković, said that his government would continue working to strengthen the status of the Roma community.

"This award confirms that in its two terms in office, this government has been pursuing an inclusive policy and that we continue to work together on strengthening the status of Roma in Croatia. We want this to be a contribution to building a better Croatia together," Plenković said while receiving the award.

He said that by a better Croatia he meant a society in which all citizens feel well, regardless of their ethnic background, identity, beliefs, religion, skin colour, sex or any other trait.

"Roma, who settled in Europe 1,000 years ago, definitely have the right to that just like other European and Croatian citizens, but unfortunately, that is often not so and we must change that," he said.

He said that today Roma culture that was part of the identity of many great men was being celebrated, adding that one could not help but recall also the centuries-long discrimination against and the suffering and persecution of the Roma people during World War II. That is why the Croatian government has supported the construction of the Uštica Roma Memorial Centre, he said.

"We cannot change history, we can only sincerely regret what happened. Today we can build a tolerant society and bring up young people in that spirit," he said.

He said the government had clearly defined goals in its operational programme for ethnic minorities, noting that insisting on young people completing their education was in the long run the only right solution for the full social integration and equality of the Roma minority in Croatia.

Kajtazi: Croatian Roma have become recognisable internationally with help of state institutions

Roma minority MP Veljko Kajtazi thanked state institutions that have helped do for the Roma minority in the last ten years probably more than what had been done since 1971.

"Owing to our partnership with all relevant institutions, mutual respect as well as efforts to build an inclusive society, we Croatian Roma have become recognisable in Europe and beyond," said Kajtazi.

He noted that with the help of state institutions, Croatian Roma had managed to overcome almost all problems encountered by the international Roma movement.

He stressed, however, that they still could not be satisfied because the gap between the Roma and non-Roma population in Croatia had still not been reduced, noting that he would continue working to establish the minimum civilisational standards for all citizens.

Every sector should assume its share of responsibility for that because government offices and associations should not be the only ones dealing with minority issues, he said.

As part of today's ceremony an exhibition was staged on the 50th anniversary of the first World Romani Congress, held in 1971.

At that event, important decisions were adopted regarding the status of the Roma minority across Europe, its identity and self-confidence such as flag, anthem, language and name of the Romani people.

This evening, to commemorate that event, the fountain outside the National and University Library will be lit up in the colours of the Romani people's flag.

(Hina) rml

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