By Željko Jovanović, Director, Open Society Roma Initiatives Office
When the EU leaders use the values of human rights to justify their decisions, the blatant discrimination faced by Roma across Europe puts their words to the test.
As the EU’s High Representative Josep Borell made clear, the difference between the supportive message of “Slava Ukraini!” and a Leopard tank is that the former is free, while the latter costs €10 million.
We must also question how can the values-loaded narrative of human rights, equality, and democracy be credible if the plight of Europe’s largest minority is one of deprivation.
According to recent data from the Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA), the situation remains unchanged for Roma minorities and travellers and has even worsened in some countries, with, for example, 62% of children living in severe deprivation.
Why do many European Roma still lead a life closer to that of those in the poorest regions in the Global South than their fellow EU citizens?
Treatment of Roma not a priority except in words
Instead of merely bemoaning the lack of government support, Roma have decided to stand up for themselves and prove their worth by fighting for Ukraine in the war to help refugees feeling the conflict.
Several Roma determined to be defined as soldiers who fight for their country and not as victims of racism. One Ukrainian Roma soldier, Viktor Ilchuk, even received a medal of bravery from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for his efforts.
Even knowing that their communities faced discrimination, were often at the brunt of pogrom attacks in Odesa, and experience violence by the far-right, these soldiers have shown true moral courage and heroism.
It is one thing to fight for your country when you know you are treated equally as other fellow compatriots; it is another thing entirely when you are not.
Even before the Russian invasion, the situation of Roma was not a priority except in words. As it stands, the Roma situation is one of the biggest cases of inequality in the continent and must be addressed.
Yet, despite fighting daily discrimination, the 12-million-strong Roma community in Europe marched forward on World Roma Day each year with a call for “Opre Roma!”
‘Stand Up, Roma’: a symbol of self-reliance
Born during the Cold War at the First World Roma Congress on 8 April 1971, this motto means “Stand Up, Roma!” in the Romani language.
Accompanied by the Roma flag and anthem, it has become not only a cultural symbol of Roma identity and non-militarised struggle. It is a symbol of transnational unity.
Today’s realpolitik means that we Roma are our own biggest hope, with very few friends whose actions match their words.
Like those who gathered in 1971 to proclaim “Opre Roma” as a symbol of self-definition and self-reliance, this motto is more relevant today than ever. The message of self-reliance has become a key foundation for our community.
First, Roma activists are helping the Ukrainian Roma refugees in Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Chechia, Poland and Germany.
When they are not being treated fairly or receiving help in getting a translator or aid for other administrative challenges, their brothers and sisters of the same Romani origin are there to provide help.
Milestones in human rights protection and art and culture, all thanks to Roma
Second, in the midst of the energy crisis, the activists of Opre Roma Serbia had fought hard for the community in Niš, who had their electricity cut off just as winter began.
Their campaign was an immense symbolic message for how the most vulnerable in Serbia should be treated during the energy crisis.
Third, Dr Ismael Cortes, a Member of the Spanish parliament and a well-known Roma advocate, successfully accomplished his initiative for legislation that enacts a prison sentence of one to four years for promoting or inciting hatred or discrimination against Roma.
And fourth, the very best of Roma arts and culture was represented in the Venice Biennale 2022 by having not one but two pavilions.
This historical milestone was made possible by Małgorzata Mirga-Tas, an artist of Romani origin who represented Poland and the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture, who curated the Roma Pavilion.
Our values and lives are at stake
These and many more examples across Europe show how much the Roma accomplished only in the last year, often without help and despite the discrimination faced by the wider society.
The Roma soldiers, advocates, artists, athletes, and entrepreneurs have been determined to break the walls erected to limit how far they can go and what they can accomplish.
They have shown “Opre Roma!” can’t wait for government attention and support. We march forward because we have to. After all, our values and lives are at stake.
However, that doesn’t exonerate the EU or the governments from the promises made to the largest minority in Europe.
Yes, we are joining forces to support our communities but to create a fairer and equal Europe, our leaders must share more than mere words. They must act to lift the underprivileged and under-represented.
Opre Roma!
Željko Jovanović is the Director of the Open Society Roma Initiatives Office, which supports Roma in making their voices heard and power felt in policymaking.
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