Mickoski: Our vision is not Roma to be tolerated or involved, but to be equal citizens

Roma are an integral part of our society. They are not a minority, but a people with a rich tradition, with music, language, history, customs. They are our fellow citizens, neighbors, friends, associates and most importantly – citizens of the same value and dignity as everyone else, Prime Minister Christian Mickoski said tonight at the event to mark the International Roma Day, April 8.

– Our vision is not for Roma to be tolerated or involved, but to be equal citizens with the same power to decide, create, dream and live dignified. That is why today is not just a day of celebration, but a day of account, a day when we restore our covenant that there will be no progress without equality, that there is no freedom without justice, that there is no development without involvement at all. We build Macedonia as a state for all, for every child, for every family, every person regardless of ethnic, religious or social affiliation – said Mickoski.

He emphasized that International Roma Day is a day of remembrance, history, persecution, exclusion, but also a day of dignity, resistance and hope. That, he added, is a day when we not only celebrate Roma culture, but we are also talking loudly about the injustices this community faced and the efforts we take as a state to overcome those injustices.

– It is true that the Roma community lives too long on the sidelines. Inequality is realistic, there are system barriers and we take responsibility to break them step by step, politics by politics, project project – said Mickoski, adding that education is the key to inclusion.

That is why, he added, the government invests in policies that will provide an equal beginning for every child, regardless of ethnic or social affiliation.

– Education is not just learning facts, it’s a learning of self -esteem, it’s the way to dignity. It is the bridge that brings every young person on the sidelines to the center of society. For Roma children education is not just an option, it is hope, it is a response to generations of injustice, of relocations and oblivion. When a Roma child enters the classroom it is an act of resistance, when he graduates it is a victory of justice. That is why the government put equality in education as a priority – Mickoski said, adding that education could change the lives of Roma children.

He noted that the Government is working hard to include Roma in the labor market through active employment measures in cooperation with the Employment Agency specially aimed at young Roma and women, craft training and digital skills, as well as self -employment opportunities through grants and mentoring. Since 2023 as of today, more than a thousand Roma have received a working engagement or started their own business.

Shaban Saliu, Minister without portfolio in charge of integration and implementation of the Roma inclusion strategy, said today that respects the history, culture and contribution of the Roma community around the world.

– April 8 is celebrated as International Roma Day, Pride Day, but also a reminder of the challenges this community faces. On this date in 1971, the World Congress of Roma was held in London, a historic moment in the process of affirming the Roma identity. This congress has made many significant decisions such as the official recognition of the Roma nation, the adoption of the Roma flag, the anthem « Helem, Helem » and the use of the term Roma – said Saliu.

This day, he said, is not only an occasion for the celebration of rich Roma culture and tradition, but also the opportunity for deep reflection for our common responsibility – to build a society in which every citizen, regardless of its ethnic origin, has equal opportunities and perspectives.

« Inclusion, equality and respect for human rights must be our leading principles in creating a better future for everyone, » Saliu said.

He noted that significant progress has been made, but, as he said, the road to full integration and equality of the Roma community is still long.

– We are committed to guaranteeing rights with an emphasis on Roma protection against discrimination in all spheres of life such as education, jobs, health, public services, housing, … Our vision of the future is clear – to ensure full social and economic inclusion of Roma, to promote their position in society.

Inter -Community Minister Ivan Stoiljkovic said the presence of almost the entire state leadership at today’s event shows how many members of the Roma community and small ethnic communities are the focus of the government.

– It is deeply rooted in the history and development of our country, and its members contribute to different spheres. Today is not only a symbol of the struggle of the Roma people for equality, freedom and dignity, but also a day of remembrance and a day for hope. A day dedicated to raising awareness of the rights and culture of the Roma community, but also a reminder that every citizen, regardless of ethnic or religious affiliation, has an equal opportunity to participate, contribute and progress – said Stoiljkovic.

He promised that the Ministry of Inter -Community Relations would do everything needed for the integration of all communities into Macedonian society not only an empty phrase, but also a challenge that through continuous work and sincere dialogue would mean the realization of the vision – a society in which no one is invisible.