Ladies and Gentlemen,
In addressing the participants of the 1st Pan-Hellenic Conference for the establishment of the Romani Confederation and as this is a historic moment, let me share with you some thoughts and suggestions, which I believe could prove useful.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Despite persecutions and tribulations, old and recent, the Roma people survive and scatter through the globe to establish permanent settlements in various areas as this ancient, nomadic people in defiance of rough times treasure their traditions.
In recent years, despite the ‘boom’ in the number of publications, texts, studies and events about Roma people, and the host of resolutions and decisions made by international organizations, it is common that knowledge there is still a huge gap between the adoption of policies and positive measures, on the one hand, and implementation, on the other. This reality calls for a strong will for real inclusion policies as well as the continuous and strict monitoring of their enforcement and effectiveness. Therefore, all participants in today’s meeting ought to be looking for implementable policies and political will for ways out of the current impasse, to turn social introversion around, and to end isolation from the rest of the society.
Eliminating all phenomena and instances of racism and social exclusion, averting all kinds of discrimination due to race, gender or individual specificities, is a prerequisite for consolidating social cohesion but also a critical component and indicator of the quality of our Democracy. Democracy is not something stagnant, nor should it be taken for granted. It needs to be constantly proven. And the treatment of the less powerful among the population is a fundamental criterion in determining the size and the quality of democracy.
Let me therefore call upon you all to work together, so that we do not lose another chance to give the lives of Romani people hope by setting up pillars that help turn intentions into reality.
I wish you success in your proceedings.
Thank you.
September 27, 2016