Status: 07.04.2022 8:33 p.m
The Central Council of German Sinti and Roma has been in existence for forty years. In a speech on the occasion of the anniversary, the Federal President apologized for discrimination, stigmatization and criminalization.
Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier apologized to Sinti and Roma in Germany for how they were treated after National Socialism. Racially motivated resentments have not simply disappeared.
Steinmeier said in a video speech on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Central Council of German Sinti and Roma. They were discriminated against, stigmatized and criminalized by authorities, the police and the judiciary.
Genocide of Sinti and Roma
The fact that there was also a genocide against Sinti and Roma during the National Socialist era was concealed, denied or suppressed for a long time. There was no recognition of claims for compensation.
“Today, on behalf of our country, I would like to ask forgiveness for the second suffering inflicted on the Sinti and Roma in the post-war period,” said the Federal President.
The Central Council of German Sinti and Roma was founded in 1982 and is based in Heidelberg. In addition to the umbrella organization, there are 19 state and member associations. The Central Council works to ensure that Sinti and Roma can participate in politics and society on an equal footing and that they are protected and promoted as a national minority.