Discrimination against Roma in Turkey is based on an almost impenetrable wall of prejudice among the rest of the population. To end the resulting socioeconomic exclusion, the HDP calls for a new policy.
"Roma are exposed to impoverishment, racism and discrimination. Their languages, Romanes, Domari and Lomavren, and their culture are not recognized. They are forced to live a life in which speaking their own language is a factor of marginalization." - With these words, Tülay Hatimoğulları, as the HDP deputy in charge of the Peoples and Religious Communities Commission, addressed the public on the occasion of the International Roma Day and reiterated her party's solidarity for the Roma affected by policies of discrimination and persecution.
Like everywhere else in the world, the Roma community lives with very serious problems in Turkey, Hatimoğulları said in Ankara: "Discrimination is the underlying cause of all these problems, especially in terms of employment, health care and housing." The longer the historical and social background of this centuries-old issue is ignored, she said, the problems that shape the lives of Roma every day cannot be eradicated.
Discrimination against Roma is based on an almost impenetrable wall of prejudice among the rest of the population, Hatimoğulları explained. In this sense, the way to end the resulting socioeconomic exclusion lies in regional and national policies, she said. "In such a process, Roma must be involved at all levels and considered as subjects. Work must be done in all public spheres to make Roma history, language and culture visible," the politician demanded.
"As the HDP, we affirm that we stand in solidarity with the Roma at every stage of the struggle for equal citizenship and the removal of obstacles to their participation. Their social, economic and political exclusion is unacceptable. We celebrate World Roma Day on April 8 full of the determination of our struggle for the free and equal coexistence of all peoples and religious identities."
Brief history of the International Roma Day
The date was chosen in memory of the first World Roma Congress held in London on April 8, 1971, which was attended by 23 delegates from nine countries. This day is symbolic of the beginning of the Roma civil rights movement. At that time, the official Roma flag and the anthem "Gelem, Gelem" were designated as two important symbols of the worldwide Roma community.
