The Council of Europe has been working for over 50 years to ensure the recognition of the human rights of Roma and Travellers across Europe.
To celebrate International Roma Day (8 April), the Council of Europe organises Opre Roma! month from 1 to 30 April 2025, to raise awareness and highlight the challenges faced by Roma and Travellers in Europe.
Events paying tribute to the contribution of the Roma language, culture and history to Europe`s heritage and cultural wealth take place in Council of Europe member States and in Strasbourg, under the aegis of the Committee of Experts on Roma and Traveller Issues (ADI-ROM).
The events are organised to:
- Increase awareness on Roma and Traveller issues of the general public in all member States
- Create a momentum and make use of it to launch and re-launch strategic partnerships to contribute to Roma and Travellers inclusion
- Raise visibility of the topic and increase awareness on Roma and Travellers issues of the Permanent Representations to the Council of Europe
- Raise visibility of the sector and of the inter-governmental body ADI-ROM within the Council of Europe
- Promote history, language and culture as effective tools to share knowledge, combat anitigypyism and strengthen pride and identity.
About International Roma Day
8 April marks the anniversary of the First World Romani Congress held in Chelsfield near London on 7–12 April 1971. This event called for Roma self-determination and international unity for the first time ever. As a milestone for Roma political organisation and rights advocacy movement, a Roma flag, and the anthem ‘Gelem, Gelem’ was presented as symbols of unity, dignity and identity.
The celebration of the International Roma Day is an opportunity for the Council of Europe, as the first international Human Rights organisation, to reaffirm its commitment to promotion of equality and non-discrimination of Roma communities, as well as to continue its efforts in fighting against antigypsyism in the Council of Europe member states.
The phrase ”Opre Roma!” translates to ”Stand up, Roma!” in English and was prominently mentioned during the 1st International Romani Congress (1971).
Opre Roma! was used to inspire and unite the Romani people in their struggle for recognition, rights, and equality. It symbolises a call to action for the Romani community to stand up against discrimination and to work towards a better future.
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