Dasko: International Day Marks Roma Identity, Pride and Political Voice

Bratislava, 8 April (TASR) - International Roma Day has become a symbol of Roma identity, pride and political voice, Government's Proxy for Roma Communities Alexander Dasko posted on social media to mark Wednesday's Roma holiday. Dasko also pointed to the importance of 8 April 1971, when the first World Roma Congress began in Orpington, England. "I am proud that on 8 April 1971 we spoke for ourselves for the first time, rejected derogatory labels and adopted our own symbols," Dasko said. He stressed that Roma are "proud and free people who want to breathe freely" and added that he personally proudly identifies with his origin. "I am happy to be Roma because I can see the world in more colours," the government proxy said. In his post, he recalled that Roma are the largest ethnic minority in Europe and that on this day they commemorate the richness of Roma culture, clan and family traditions, spiritual life, history and Romipen (Roma identity) of people who have lived in Europe for nearly a thousand years. The first World Roma Congress in 1971 marked the first official and unified political appearance of Roma. Roma delegations from 14 countries declared a common origin and the ethnic name Roma, adopted the Roma flag and approved an international anthem. They also established a new international Roma organisation representing 71 Roma organisations from 21 countries. In 1979, it became a consultative body of the United Nations and is now known as the International Romani Union. At the fourth congress in Warsaw in 1990, 8 April was officially declared International Roma Day. mf