11
Apr
2024
Watch
International Roma Day - Statement by the President
Madam President, My name is Romeo Franz, I am Sinto, and I lost six relatives in the Holocaust. This week is an important week for me and for the people with Romanes background. However, the situation in Eastern Europe – Romania, Bulgaria and Ukraine – is largely inhumane. Especially in Ukraine, in the forests of Lviv, more than 1,000 Karpati Roma live, excluded from politics and civil society, without access to drinking water, medical care and education. This is an inhuman situation that I have seen with my own eyes. It would be desirable not only to think of people with Romanesian backgrounds on 8 April or other commemorations or holidays, but to deal with them on a daily basis. We are talking about human rights, women's rights and children's rights. But the reality is: We are currently bordering the Eastern European Romani people of these basic rights. The European Parliament should also finally treat citizens with Romanesian background as equal citizens. I appeal to all Members and all parties: Save yourself your Sunday speeches for my people! Fight your own racism in your minds and don't classify people! It is said that the dignity of man is inviolable, and not only the dignity of the white man. The shame of Europe is its racists.