Roma and Sinti genocide

Fortunately, seventy years ago, the “Zigeunerlager”, or “Gypsy Camp”, at Auschwitz-Birkenau, was closed. Some 23.000 Roma and Sinti were murdered. This liquidation didn’t finish with racism in Europe. Today, many political leaders speak with racist rhetoric in public discourse. They don’t refrain from scapegoating Roma and Sinti communities. Then, this attitude can fuel anti-Roma sentiment in society. Those political leaders must understand the important role of leadership in combatting these attitudes.

Public discourse still perpetuates old negative stereotypes against these people. In a number of countries in the Europe, Roma are portrayed as criminals or social outsiders. The crucial role of the media in constructing and perpetuating these negative images has recently been confirmed by a comprehensive study in Germany. These stereotypes must be countered, both to bring justice to the victims of the Roma and Sinti genocide, and to create a better future for Roma today.

Public figures, and particularly politicians, have a responsibility to lead by example and publicly condemn racist speech targeting Roma and Sinti. In Spain, the authorities should also work to promote non-discriminatory portrayals of Roma and their communities, in order to prevent the perpetuation of negative stereotypes in the media. Leaders must speak out against anti-Roma rhetoric. In schools, teachers should promote the official recognition and teaching about the experience of Roma and Sinti during the Holocaust.

Teaching about the past and the tragedy of the Roma under the Nazi regime is one key to a better understanding their present situation, Roma and Sinti have long suffered from racism and discrimination, and understanding this history is necessary to promote a more tolerant, inclusive society for all.