International Roma Day

April 8^th marks International Roma Day. The United States takes this opportunity to call attention to call for respect for the human rights of Roma.

Roma are the largest minority in Europe, where they often face violence, police brutality and systematic discrimination in education, employment, and housing, particularly in post-communist countries. The United States views the persecution of Roma as a continuing problem and is committed to protecting and promoting their human rights. We have a monitoring and advocacy role through intergovernmental organizations and NGOs that work to improve the human rights of Romani minorities across Europe.

The United States calls on all governments to put an end to the human rights abuses faced by the Romani minorities within their borders. We encourage all those who value democratic principles to stand up against all forms of intolerance and hatred towards minorities, including Roma, and to work to create tolerant and pluralistic societies.

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