- US
Secretary of State Hillary Rodam Clinton, centre, poses with Roma
professionals and Roma NGO leaders at the US Embassy in Sofia, Bulgaria,
Sunday Feb. 5, 2012. (AP Photo/Jim Watson, Pool)
International Roma Day
Press Statement
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
April 8, 2012
On
behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I want
to send best wishes to all Roma as they mark International Roma Day.
Today we celebrate 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.
But too often and in too many places, they are forced
to live on the margins. They are segregated, beaten, and systematically
discriminated against. They are denied access to an education and to
jobs. Despite a decade of progress, during this global economic downturn
incidents of anti-Roma rhetoric and violence are on the rise.
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. We are 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. As I said in Bulgaria at a meeting
with young Roma professionals, the United States is committed to working
with civil society groups and governments to make a real difference in
the lives of Roma.
We believe 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.
