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Let's keep the momentum going!
The World Roma Federation is not the average Roma organization. With all due respect for other activists and organizations, our approach is significantly different.
Since 1971, the birth of the Romani Rights movement, there has been no significant changes other than our flag and anthem being acknowledged. However, our flag still is not flown among the international community at public buildings etc.
The World Roma Federation is the first international organization that has made a significant impact within the movement. Although there are many organizations, the World Roma Federation is unique in that it has been able to create a political approach introducing a top-down mechanism by opening dialogue directly within the United Nations, Member States, Country Presidents & Prime Ministers, to discuss pressing issues and possible solutions that would make a significant impact on the lives of millions of Roma people.
We have many accomplishments to be proud of, here are just some of them:
2017 - The Congress of the World Roma Federation, "Together for the Roma in Europe by 2020", was attended by representatives of 25+ European countries, and over 350 community leaders.
2019 - Received Special Consultative Status / Affiliation with the United Nations.
2020 - Established open channels of communication with multiple governments including the European Commission. Held the very first Roma Holocaust remembrance ceremony in New York City.
2021 - Received a Proclamation by the Illinois Governer JB Pritzker, proclaiming April 8th as International Roma Day and recognizing Romani American History, Culture, Heritage and the Holocaust etc.
Began lobbying for S.Res 124 amendments and its passing.
Developed a working friendship with the new Roma contact point at the Helsinki Commission.
2022 - Became recognized and accredited by the UN Human Rights Council and submitted a 3000-word statement to the Special Rapporteur on Minority Rights which we received confirmation of receipt and acknowledgement for.
Went to Washington D.C. for multiple engagements including an event we sponsored, the pristigous Human Rights Prize received by Enes Freedom Kantur.
Visited the United States, Department of State's Special Representative for Racial Justice and Equity's office and met with her team to develop joint efforts to combat racism and discrimination at the UN Level.
Met with the Helsinki Chief of Staff and Ben Cardin's team including Janice Helwig, the Roma Contact Point here the U.S.
The following day, we were in town on Dec. 8th when S.Res 124 passed! What a blessing!
This year, we continue our efforts in the political arena, and have many engagements and exciting events planned that we hope will spread more awareness by including governments and leaders in our empowerment campaign called the Roma Mentorship Program.
We are already off to a good start this year after meeting with the Consul General of the Republic of Serbia!
Stay tuned!