On 8th of April, Council of Europe and the Embassy of the Grand Duchy of Luxemburg hosted the celebration of International Roma Day.
The event gathered national and international institutions and members of the Roma civil society representing different municipalities.
Mr. Eric Dietz, Chargé d’affaires of the Embassy of the Grand Duchy of Luxemburg opened his remarks with delight of hosting the 53rd anniversary of the International Roma day at the premises of the embassy. He commended the Roma community in Kosovo* and in Europe for the resilience and contribution in the society. ‘It is a day where all of us can reflect for the journey Roma had gone through, for the cultural richness they have shared, and for the struggle on preserving the unique identity and culture’.
Ms. Mary-Ann Hennessey, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Pristina, highlighted that commemorating International Roma Day means recognizing the value of diversity which each culture brings to our societies, notably of Europe’s largest ethnic minority, the Roma. She emphasised that Council of Europe will continue addressing challenges that Roma communities face, bringing people together through our shared values, human rights standards and monitoring bodies.
The event presented the guest with the Roma octet ‘Kujtim Pacaku’ who performed old Roma songs, and Roma painters, Fahrije and Bajram Mehmeti with displayed paintings portraying Roma identity and culture.
* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo* Declaration of Independence.
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