As Romani people today marked the International Roma Day, the United States voiced concern on the increasing anti-Roma rhetoric and violence against all Roma.
On her remarks in DC, US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said the special day celebarted the history, impact and culture of Romani people.
From music and art to science and literature, Romani people have contributed in ways large and small to the fabric of countless societies, Ms. Clinton said
“But too often and in too many places, they are forced to live on the margins.” -Ms. Clinton
The Romani people are are segregated, beaten, and systematically discriminated against, she added.
Reports say, Roma are subject to racist violence. These attacks have sometimes resulted in serious injuries and deaths. This violence is not a new phenomenon and has been prevalent in Europe for centuries.
Discriminations include denying access to an education and to jobs as well.
Despite a decade of progress, during this global economic downturn incidents of anti-Roma rhetoric and violence continues to rise.
Ms. Clinton says Romani people are on the frontlines of the struggle for greater human rights and dignity.
“That is why the United States is working to protect Roma minorities and end discrimination.” -Ms. Clinton
The United States is helping improve opportunities for Roma to participate in the political, social, economic, and cultural lives of their communities.
Roma everywhere deserve the opportunity to have a better and brighter future, Ms. Clinton stressed.
The United States is committed to working with civil society groups and governments to make a real difference in the lives of Roma.
The United States believes that governments have a special responsibility to ensure that members of the Roma community and all minority communities have the tools to succeed as productive members of society.
“So let us continue to forge new partnerships, discover new areas of understanding and respect, and redouble our efforts to address the plight of Roma on behalf of a freer, fairer and more inclusive Europe.” -Ms. Clinton
Promoting and protecting the inalienable human rights of Roma everywhere is a stated foreign policy priority of Obama Administration.
The Obama administration says one of the pieces of unfinished business in Europe is the full integration of the Roma people into the societies and nations where they reside.
Romani people is an ethnic group with origins in northern India who are widely dispersed with their largest concentrated populations in Europe, especially Central and Eastern Europe.
Alarming condition of the Roma people was a social blight for Europe and the rest of the world as they reportedly regularly faced social exclusion, racism, substandard education, hostility, joblessness, rampant illness, inadequate housing, lower life expectancy, unrest, living on desperate margins, language barriers, stereotypes, mistrust, rights violations, discrimination, marginalization, appalling living conditions, prejudice, human rights abuse, racist slogans on Internet.