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Roma victims of genocide honored in Jasenovac; at least 16,000 perished
🇭🇷 Croatia /Conflict & Security

Roma victims of genocide honored in Jasenovac; at least 16,000 perished

From Večernji List · () Croatian

Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • A memorial ceremony was held at the Roma memorial cemetery in Uštica, Croatia, to honor Romani victims of genocide.
  • The event also marked the opening of the "Amare, amale" Park of Peace and Friends of Roma.
  • Officials emphasized the importance of remembering the past to build a better future and ensure the full integration and equal rights of the Roma community in Croatia.

Croatia held a solemn commemoration at the Roma memorial cemetery in Uštica, near Jasenovac, to mark the International Day of Remembrance of the Roma Victims of Genocide, known as Samudaripen. The ceremony also saw the inauguration of the "Amare, amale" Park of Peace and Friends of Roma, dedicated to those who aided Roma during the Holocaust.

Looking at the past in the right way, we create a better future.

— Alen RužićMinister of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy, emphasizing the importance of historical remembrance for future progress.

Officials stressed that Roma are an integral part of Croatian history and cultural heritage. Minister of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy, Alen Ružić, highlighted the government's commitment to fostering a society of tolerance and universal values, where all individuals enjoy equal rights. He stated that the memorial center in Uštica symbolizes the values Croatia upholds and serves as a powerful message that the suffering of Roma must never be forgotten.

The memorial center in Uštica is a symbol of the values we cherish and a message that the suffering of the Roma must never be forgotten.

— Alen RužićMinister Ružić highlighting the significance of the Uštica memorial center.

Veljko Kajtazi, a member of parliament representing the Roma national minority, recalled the persecution of Roma during World War II. He emphasized that indifference can enable great tragedies and that Uštica serves as a reminder of the fragility of human dignity and society's responsibility to protect it. Kajtazi asserted that remembering the Roma victims of Samudaripen is not only an act of respect for the deceased but also a responsibility of the living, integrating their fate into the shared European history.

History teaches us that the greatest tragedies arise not only from hatred but become possible when society becomes indifferent.

— Veljko KajtaziMember of Parliament Veljko Kajtazi reflecting on the lessons learned from past atrocities.

The opening of the "Amare, amale" park honored individuals who demonstrated humanity and solidarity during the darkest times, choosing compassion over silence. Kajtazi noted that their actions continue to serve as a guide for contemporary society. The commemoration was described as the largest gathering of the Roma minority in Europe, affirming Croatia's solidarity with European nations that cherish the culture of remembrance.

Remembering is not only an expression of respect for the dead but a responsibility of the living.

— Veljko KajtaziKajtazi emphasizing the active role of the living in preserving memory.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Večernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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