Croatian MP urges schools to teach about Roma persecution during WWII

Veljko Kajtazi, a prominent representative of the Roma community in Croatia and a Member of Parliament, is calling for the inclusion of the persecution of Roma during the Independent State of Croatia (NDH) in school curricula. Ahead of the International Day of Remembrance of the Romani Victims of Genocide (Samudaripen) on August 2nd, Kajtazi stressed the critical need for a "society resilient to forgetting and prejudice."

For sixteen years, Kajtazi has been a leading voice for the Roma in Croatia, focusing on preserving their culture and identity, developing Roma settlements, and educating youth. A significant part of his work involves persistently reminding the public about the genocide perpetrated against Roma by the Ustaše regime during World War II.

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If we want a society resilient to forgetting and prejudice, it must be taught in schools about the persecution of Roma during the NDH.

In an interview with Večernji list, Kajtazi discussed the importance of cultural memory and the persistent challenges confronting the Roma community, including discrimination and segregation. He also touched upon his collaboration with state institutions and the government, his relationship with the President, and his future political priorities.

Kajtazi expressed his vision of Croatia as a society offering equal opportunities, where all citizens, regardless of their national background, possess the same rights and possibilities. However, he noted that some local government units directly encourage discrimination against Roma, perpetuating divisions within society.

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Some local government units directly encourage discrimination against Roma and maintain divisions.