IHRA – International Conference on the Genocide of the Roma and Combating Antigypsyism

The conference addressed, among others, historical perspectives on antigypsyism, the role of education in combating antigypsyism today, and issues regarding testimonies and recognition. With its focus on the question how the lack of recognition of the Holocaust of the Roma and Sinti has and continues to contribute to prejudices and discrimination still experienced by many Roma and Sinti today, and the purpose of bringing together researchers and experts to discuss ways to combat antigypsyism, the conference was closely connected to the core topics and objectives of the CHACHIPEN project.

This is also depicted in some of the key takeaways (please find a more detailed overview in the Summary Report (pdf) on the left). The participants of the conference discussed and called for:

• Continued exchange, stock-taking and networking,
• Remembrance and memorialisation,
• Research,
• Education,
• Recognition,
• Combatting antigypsyism, and
• Inclusion, participation and empowerment.

These objectives and demands are closely aligned with the work of the CHACHIPEN project and its previous and future outcomes and events. The CHACHIPEN project was also represented in the conference, both in itself and through various members of the CHACHIPEN board, namely Ms Anabel Carballo, Ms Soraya Post, Mr Jonathan Mack and Ms Mirjam Karoly.

Ms. Anabel Carballo (CHACHIPEN project, Spain) spoke on behalf of the CHACHIPEN project in a panel discussion on processes on recognition of antigypsyism. In addition to outlining the key objectives of the CHACHIPEN project, Ms Carballo also provided insights into the current situation in Spain regarding matters of memory and reconciliation.

Ms Soraya Post (former Swedish MEP) gave an introductory speech, pointing out the great importance of the work with the Holocaust of the Roma and Sinti for combating antigypsyism, especially in today’s political situation with rising right-wing extremism in many countries.

Mr Jonathan Mack (Central Council of German Sinti and Roma, Germany) chaired a panel discussion on recognition, terminology and remembrance, reflecting on various perspectives on the use of different terms for the fate of Roma and Sinti during the Second World War and the question why recognition still matters.

Ms Mirjam Karoly (IHRA expert, Vienna Wiesenthal Institute for Holocaust Studies, Austria) participated in the final panel of the conference, which outlined possible key takeaways and pointed out future steps to promote research, education and remembrance of the genocide of the Roma and Sinti further.

Please find the Summary Report (pdf) on the left.