The Roma are the largest minority in Europe and the most discriminated. The International Day of Roma remembers the first international meeting of Roma, held near London (Orpington) on 8 April 1971[1]. On that occasion, presenting a new document on the integration of Roma in Europe[2], the Vice-President of the EU Viviane Reding, EU Commissioner for Justice, said

"Member States have a shared responsibility to end the exclusion of Roma from schools, employment, healthcare and the housing. It is a major challenge. That is why we are setting targets for the integration of Roma and we need a clear commitment by all capitals, regions and cities of Europe to put them into practice”[3].

Despite the availability of resources put in by the EU integration, continuing policies in Europe based solely on the emergency fuel fear and prejudice. Even in Italy rarely achieve inclusive policies and there is often only a useless operations "eviction without alternative", which do not solve problems, aggravating the living conditions of Roma and increasing social unrest. As late as yesterday some Romanian Roma families in Rome have been offered temporary accommodation solutions that separate families, creating additional and unnecessary discomfort.

The Roma are an ancient presence in Europe, they are entitled to the rights of full citizenship through real politics of inclusion. The Community of Sant'Egidio - close to Roma and Sinti in Italy and in Europe[4] – for years has been aiming at overcoming divisions and misunderstandings and to demonstrate that it is possible to live together among different peoples.

The Community of Sant’Egidio will celebrate in Rome the International Day of Roma by public initiatives that will see all Roman citizens with Roma and Sinti living in our city. All participants will be donated a magnetic sticker with best wishes in Romany language for this day of celebration.