“You See Me – I See You: Cultural Diversity in the eyes of the Roma”; “Roma Politics in Austria”

Ambassador Mr. Kovačič,
Ambassador Mr. Strohal
Professor Sarközi
Distinguished Ambassadors
Ladies and Gentlemen:

It is a pleasure to welcome you all this evening for the opening of these joint exhibitions. I wish to thank the Permanent Missions of Austria and the Republic of Slovenia for the organization of this interesting event which highlights the cultural diversity of the Roma in both Austria and Slovenia. Here at the UN Office at Geneva, we strive to be a forum for multilateralism and cross-cultural exchange. By focusing on minority issues, diversity and human rights, these two joint exhibitions contribute to this dialogue. I am pleased that we are able to showcase them both here at the Palais des Nations.

The Roma have experienced historic and longstanding discrimination, exclusion and poverty. Today, most of the estimated 12 million Roma in Europe continue to live on the margins of society. They face numerous challenges, from lack of access to adequate housing, water and sanitation, to insufficient health services, education and training and employment resources. They are still widely excluded from the public and political life of many countries, including the judicial system. While a number of positive developments towards better protection and promotion of the rights of the Roma have been made at the regional and national levels, deep-rooted racism and marginalisation still exist and need to be addressed.

It is with the overall goal of confronting these challenges and protecting minority rights that the fifth session of the Forum on Minority Issues began its work today. This year, the Forum takes place on the twentieth anniversary of the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities. This Declaration set key standards on minority rights ranging from the protection of identity to non-discrimination and participation in economic, social and political life. How its provisions are translated into concrete action on the ground forms the core work of the Forum, but also of the United Nations, governments, regional and civil society organizations.

Ladies and Gentlemen:
The two exhibitions that open this evening are important because they bring these issues – ones which are at times hidden - into the public eye. In one exhibition we read about the historic experience of the Roma in Slovenia and Austria. In the other, through photographs taken by Roma children, we confront common stereotypes and discrimination. Above all, we see that cultural diversity is a reality of our societies; a reality that should be supported by policies of inclusion and participation. It is only with this support that the foundations for greater tolerance, dialogue and cooperation can be laid and strengthened.

Thank you very much.