President Stevo Pendarovski extended Thursday International Romani Day greetings to the Roma community in North Macedonia.
Pendarovski accords respect to the Roma community’s contribution to the enrichment of the Macedonian multiethnic and multicultural society.
“Congratulations on the First Roma Congress in 1971 in London, when European activists reaffirmed the Roma flag, anthem, language, culture and Roma identity of more than 12 million Roma in Europe. Fifty years after the First Roma Congress, we have a generational duty to build a society where we will value differences, respect dignity and ensure equal participation of all citizens in the decision-making on vital issues for our country,” Pendarovski said.
The President underlines that together we aim to build solidarity, a just and free society that respects diversity and human dignity.
“Not only on this day, but throughout all days we continue to fight together because the challenges, needs and responsibilities of the Roma community, as well as of all citizens, are happening every day,” Pendarovski noted.
This year, he adds, we celebrate the International Romani Day amid a global COVID-19 pandemic, which is currently in its worst wave so far, putting the lives of all Macedonian citizens at risk.
“The pandemic has reminded us that we are all vulnerable, and those who are on the margins of society suffer the most. All of us together, in our everyday roles of politicians, members of institutions and NGOs, activists, media workers, citizens, have the responsibility to be proactive in order to overcome the pandemic crisis, as well as to resolve the accumulated issues we face every day, so we can build a prosperous and secure future for everyone,” President Pendarovski said in his International Romani Day greeting.
