The Ongoing Struggle Against Neo-Nazism and Racism: A Roma Perspective

Date 17 March 2025 Author Torotcoi Simona Category Antigypsyism

The Roma community has faced centuries of discrimination and persecution, with the Holocaust being one of the darkest chapters in their history. Today, Roma continue to experience severe forms of racism, xenophobia, and related intolerance across Europe. The resurgence of neo-Nazi ideologies and far-right movements has exacerbated these challenges, creating a hostile environment for Roma communities.

The Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (GFoD) and the European Roma Grassroots Organisations Network (ERGO) have submitted a written input to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Racism. The submission highlights the critical need to address the glorification of Nazism and neo-Nazism from a Roma perspective, emphasizing the importance of combating hate speech and violence against Roma communities. See OHCHR | Call for input: Reports on combating glorification of Nazism, neo-Nazism and other practices that contribute to fuelling contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance

The Legacy of Corneliu Zelea Codreanu and the Rise of Far-Right Movements

In Romania, figures like Corneliu Zelea Codreanu, a leader of the interwar fascist Legionary Movement, continue to influence far-right ideologies. The Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), a party that gained parliamentary representation in 2020, has been associated with rhetoric that glorifies nationalist figures and symbols, including those linked to Codreanu. This has led to increased threats and harassment against Roma communities, fostering an environment of intimidation and violence.

Violence Against Roma: Recent Incidents

Recent years have seen a surge in violent incidents against Roma, often linked to neo-Nazi groups. In countries like Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Czechia, and Romania, Roma individuals and families have been victims of targeted attacks, including physical assaults and property damage. For instance, in Italy, neo-Nazi graffiti was sprayed on Roma homes, depicting swastikas and anti-Roma slogans. These acts are part of a broader climate of increasing extremism and discrimination in Europe.

Legal Responses and Challenges

While some European states have made efforts to combat racism and xenophobia through legislation, these laws are frequently not implemented effectively, particularly in relation to Roma communities. In Bulgaria, for example, the VMRO-BND party was fined for promoting derogatory statements about the Roma community, highlighting the need for accountability in addressing hate speech.

In the Czech Republic, organizations like the European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC) have taken legal action against individuals who posted racist statements online, inciting violence against Roma. However, the persistence of impunity among perpetrators remains a significant concern, emboldening far-right groups to continue promoting hateful ideologies.

Recommendations for Change

To address these challenges, it is crucial to prioritize the situation of Roma within the broader context of contemporary racism and xenophobia in Europe. Effective, intersectional policies must be implemented to protect Roma from hate speech, violence, and discrimination. This includes:

1. Governments should enhance laws to counter hate speech and ensure their effective implementation, particularly in relation to Roma communities.
2. Educational programs should include Roma history, culture, and contributions to foster mutual understanding and combat stereotypes.
3. Accurate and disaggregated data on hate crimes against Roma is essential for shaping effective policies and interventions.
4. Supporting community-led initiatives that empower Roma individuals to advocate for their rights and protect themselves against hate crimes is vital.

Conclusion

The ongoing struggle against neo-Nazism and racism requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the unique challenges faced by Roma communities. By amplifying their voices and advocating for inclusive policies, we can work towards a more equitable future where all individuals have equal opportunities and rights. It is essential for governments, civil society, and international organizations to collaborate in combating racism and promoting tolerance, ensuring that the legacy of historical injustices does not continue to haunt marginalized communities today.