Washington, Apr 8 (UNI) The International Roma Day was celebrated on Sunday in several parts of the world and several organisations, on the occasion, raised awareness of the issues facing Romani people and their culture.
The day was officially declared in 1990 in Serock, Poland, the site of the fourth World Romani Congress of the International Romani Union (IRU), in honour of the first major international meeting of Romani representatives, 7–12 April 1971 in Chelsfield near London.
In a press statement here, Mr John J Sullivan, Acting Secretary of State, wished the Roma people on the occasion of the International Roma Day. "On behalf of the United States, I wish all Roma everywhere a happy International Roma Day. On April 8, we celebrate the Romani people, their rich cultural heritage, and worldwide societal contributions. We are proud to recognise the over one million Americans of Romani descent who have helped to shape our great nation," he said.