Daily Archives: August 1, 2026

Europe

August 2nd.

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August 2nd.

The European Holocaust Memorial Day for Roma and Sinti is officially observed on August 2, recognizing the genocide of approximately 500,000 Roma during the Nazi regime, with various countries in Central and Southeastern Europe participating in memorial events.

Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic have established official commemorations, while other countries like Bulgaria and Serbia observe the day informally or do not recognize it officially.

The memorial events often address not only historical atrocities but also contemporary issues of anti-Roma sentiment and discrimination in these regions.

Germany News Americas News Western Europe

Memory

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Memory

Frieda Daniels, a 93-year-old former high-wire artist, shares her experiences during the genocide at the time of the Holocaust to educate younger generations about the atrocities faced by the Sinti and Roma community.

She and her family were persecuted by the Nazis, with an estimated 500,000 Sinti and Roma murdered during the genocide.

Now living in California, Frieda continues to travel and speak about her past, recently reflecting on her experiences during a visit to an exhibition in Heidelberg, Germany.

Croatia News Eastern Europe

Roma, History, and Croatia

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Roma, History, and Croatia

Several articles in the Croatian press about Roma history and the fact that “cigany” is a pejorative term. Some of the historical facts are to be debated … There have been quite a few ammends to Wikipedia that warrant some review.

News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Slovenia: Demolition

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Slovenia: Demolition

Amnesty International Slovenia and the Legal Network for the Protection of Democracy accuse the Novo Mesto municipality of failing to provide housing after the demolition of a woman’s home in a Roma settlement, citing violations of human rights and legal procedures. The municipality is enforcing demolition orders on illegal constructions in a Roma settlement, leading to protests from the Roma community.

It defends its actions, stating it was obligated to enforce a legal decision regarding the illegal structure and denies any wrongdoing regarding the individual’s rights.

A representative of the Roma community expresses frustration over the lack of support from the municipality, highlighting ongoing issues with access to basic utilities and the need for better living conditions. Roma leaders criticize the head of the Roma Association for inaction and demand legal protection and alternative housing for affected residents.

Greece News Western Europe

Roma in Greece

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Roma in Greece

Many members of the Roma community in Greece live on the margins of society, facing poverty, poor housing conditions, and limited access to education and healthcare.

Roma settlements are often located on city outskirts, lacking proper infrastructure and basic utilities, leading to high unemployment and social exclusion.

Despite government programs aimed at better integration, progress is slow due to deeply rooted barriers, including low education rates and widespread discrimination against the Roma.

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Filipovtsi

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Filipovtsi

The Roma neighbourhood of Filipovtsi in Sofia, Bulgaria, saw the destruction of several buldings (deemed illegal) and resulted in a plethora of articles in the Bulgarian press.

25 “illegal” agricultural structures were demolished by the municipality, leading to the removal of over 40 horses, which caused tension between residents and journalists.

Apparently some journalists were attacked and injured.

Local authorities emphasized that the operation targeted only illegal structures on private land and would not affect residential buildings.

Roma residents expressed concern over the removal of the horses, which they rely on for income, and dissatisfaction with the cleanup of debris left after the demolition.

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