Embassy Events
Embassy Marks International Roma Day, Applauds Roma Student Magazine "Amenca"
April 10, 2008
Public Affairs Officer Edward Kemp on April 10 helped celebrate International Roma Day at Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, hosted by the editors and staff of Roma student magazine, "Amenca." Publication of this year's issues of the magazine -- dedicated to examining contemporary Roma life and concerns in Slovakia -- was funded by the Embassy. Student journalists performed music and a short original play, followed by remarks by the magazine's publisher, Dr. Samuel Abraham, rector of Bratislava International School of Liberal Arts (BISLA), and Kemp. April 8 marked the 18th annual commemoration of International Roma Day. Established in 1990 at the conference of the International Roma Union, the day is an opportunity to call attention to the history, experience and human rights concerns of one of Europe’s largest ethnic minorities. An estimated 8-10 million Roma live in Europe; more than 1 million live in the United States and Canada. Despite the progress that has been made over the past decade to improve the situation of Roma in Europe, many still live on the margins of society. Most lack access to social services, education and employment. Prejudice, racial profiling, and other manifestations of societal and sometimes official discrimination persist. The United States remains committed to improving and protecting the human rights of Roma through the work of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. We also work with other intergovernmental organizations and NGOs to advocate for the rights of Romani groups across Europe.