August 2, 2024: Marking the 80th Anniversary of the Roma Holocaust
This year’s commemoration will bring together members of the Roma for Europe Network, featuring esteemed representatives from the Roma Foundation for Europe, Roma for Democracy International (RFD), European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture (ERIAC), Roma Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (REDI), and Roma Education Fund (REF)

On August 2, 2024, we will gather to solemnly commemorate the 80th anniversary of the horrific murder of 4,300 Sinti and Roma by the SS in Auschwitz-Birkenau. This somber event marks a significant chapter in the broader history of the Roma Holocaust, during which 500,000 Sinti and Roma were systematically exterminated across Nazi-occupied Europe. In a gesture of profound recognition, the European Parliament declared August 2 as the European Holocaust Memorial Day for Sinti and Roma in 2015, ensuring that this dark period is neither forgotten nor repeated.
The Roma for Europe Network members will convene to honour the memory of the victims, impart historical education, and foster an enduring legacy of resistance and resilience. This significant event offers a unique opportunity for network members to reflect on the past, honour their ancestors, and learn from history. Representatives from each partner organization will be present, symbolizing a unified front in the mission to educate and guide the community.
The Roma for Europe Network collaborates closely with the Council of Europe, upholding values central to the Roma community. Their commitment to human rights, democracy, and the rule of law underscores the importance of this commemoration. It is a time for remembrance and a call to action against the rising tide of far-right extremism in Europe. This event seeks to reinforce the necessity of vigilance in preventing future atrocities.
“Reflecting on the Roma Holocaust, we are reminded that dangers can be both invisible and unpredictable. Our defence against such threats lies in resilience, education, economic strength, public engagement, and the celebration of our culture. This reflection serves as our legacy and responsibility for the future, guiding the next generation of Roma activism. It is imperative to continue the political work for Roma affirmation and resilience, not only in the face of dangers but also for collective fulfilment and progress” – Ciprian Necula, chairman Roma Education Fund.
The purpose of this commemoration extends beyond remembrance. It seeks to educate and enlighten, reinforcing the necessity of vigilance in preventing future atrocities. In a Europe where the far-right’s influence is alarmingly resurgent, it is crucial to recall the Roma Holocaust, identify with its profound suffering, and showcase a steadfast resistance to oppression. The essence of resistance is deeply embedded in the Roma community, a legacy reflected in their remarkable achievements and enduring spirit.
This year, the image for our commemoration is inspired by the evocative sunflower drawings of Ceija Stojka, a Roma Holocaust survivor. She was an extraordinary artist and writer whose works poignantly capture the resilience and beauty of the Roma spirit amidst the horrors of genocide. Her art, particularly her sunflowers, symbolizes hope, endurance, and the unyielding strength of the Roma people. Ceija’s legacy is a testament to the enduring power of art to inspire, heal, and unite communities in the face of unimaginable adversity.