Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development

Sous-comité des droits internationaux de la personne du Comité permanent des affaires étrangères et du développement international

For immediate release

Ottawa, June 26, 2019 -

Roma communities have experienced a long history of persecution around the world. During the Second World War, an estimated half a million Roma in Europe were killed by the Nazi regime and its collaborators. Today, Roma in many countries face social stigma and experience marginalization in areas like the labour market, the education system, and access to basic services.

Determined to shed light on the challenges faced by Roma people internationally, the Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (the Subcommittee) held a meeting on the human rights situation of the Roma on 11 June 2019. The Subcommittee heard from Dafina Savic, founder of Romanipe, a Montreal-based not-for-profit organization that fights discrimination against Roma worldwide.

Ms. Savic stressed that the plight of the Roma remains largely invisible, which contributes to further marginalization. The Subcommittee learned that in many European countries, Roma experience segregation—from physical walls built between Roma and non-Roma communities, to the placement of Roma children into segregated schools. In addition, Ms. Savic pointed to rising anti-Roma sentiments in public discourse, including on social media, and spoke of anti-Roma hate crimes in Ukraine, Italy, Bulgaria, Hungary, and France.

Based on the testimony received, and conscious of the importance of recognition in preventing future atrocities, the Subcommittee recognizes that the Roma people experienced genocide, also known as the Porajmos and Samudaripen, during the Second World War. The Subcommittee expresses its support for the Government of Canada’s 2018 recognition of the Roma genocide, and its decision to recognize August 2nd as Roma Genocide Remembrance Day. The Subcommittee calls upon the House of Commons to formally recognize the Roma genocide, affirm August 2nd as Roma Genocide Remembrance Day, and express a commitment to combatting ongoing anti-Roma racism, discrimination and violence.

Ms. Savic also highlighted a potential leadership role for Canada in speaking out about the human rights violations Roma are facing internationally, particularly by working with the governments of states with large Roma populations, including not only European states but also those in the Americas and the Middle East. The Subcommittee recognizes Canada’s role in supporting Roma-led solutions that protect Roma rights and enable the flourishing of Roma communities around the globe.

The Subcommittee extends its appreciation to Ms. Savic for her testimony, which shone a spotlight on the Roma people’s unique history and challenges.

Quotes

“Canada stands with the Roma community and condemns the gross human rights violations that Roma are facing worldwide. We thank Ms. Savic, Romanipe and other organizations for their advocacy – raising international awareness about the human rights situation of Roma is an essential first step in improving the situation both inside and outside of Europe.”

-Anita Vandenbeld, M.P., Chair

“The insidious rumours and stereotypes about Roma communities that contributed to genocide during the Second World War continue to harm Roma communities in the present day. There is an urgent need to combat this harmful rhetoric in Canada and around the world.”

-David Sweet, M.P., Vice-Chair

“Structural racism against Roma not only prevents equal access to opportunities, but also results in a lack of Roma participation in political and policy-making processes. Effectively addressing the human rights situation of Roma will require solutions developed in consultation with Roma stakeholders.”

-Cheryl Hardcastle, M.P., Vice-Chair