Dr Bernd Fabritius

Federal Government Commissioner for Matters Related to Ethnic German Resettlers and National Minorities

Statement on the occasion of the European Holocaust Memorial Day for Sinti and Roma 2020

Ladies and gentlemen,

In these unusual times, we have come together today in this fashion on the occasion of the European Roma Holocaust Memorial Day.

We solemnly remember all those Sinti and Roma who were murdered in Auschwitz-Birkenau on the night of 2 August 1944. We feel the sorrow of the descendants of the 500,000 Sinti and Roma who fell victim to genocide under the tyranny of the Nazi regime.

Keeping alive the memory of the past is important – but it is not enough. Sinti and Roma still face prejudice, intolerance and discrimination in Europe today. A society that values diversity and creates equal opportunities will not tolerate antigypsyism, but will resolutely fight it.

As Federal Government Commissioner for National Minorities, it is important to me to keep striving for the recognition and appreciation of minorities in a diverse and just society. We must keep striving for equal opportunities and social cohesion.

It is important to me that minorities receive recognition for their culture and history, and that they take their place at the heart of our society – a free and democratic society based on equality of all people.

I therefore appeal to us all to keep alive the memory of the victims and to take responsibility – responsibility for the future of a democratic and peaceful Europe; a Europe in which all people can feel safe and at home; a Europe of social cohesion; and a Europe that defends constitutional values for all.

Thank you.