Monaco joined representatives from across Europe in commemorating the European Day of Remembrance for the Roma and Sinti Holocaust during a ceremony at the former Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, marking one of the darkest chapters of the Second World War…
The event took place at the site of the former “Gypsy Family Camp”, where, on the night of August 2–3, 1944, more than 4,000 Roma and Sinti men, women and children were murdered by the Nazis. The ceremony featured moving musical performances by young Roma and Sinti musicians, whose families were directly affected by the Holocaust, alongside tributes honouring the victims.
Monaco was represented by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, reflecting the Principality’s current Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. She emphasised the importance of remembering the victims while reaffirming the values of human dignity, democracy and respect for human rights that underpin both the Council of Europe and Monaco.
The commemoration also highlighted the importance of passing on historical memory to younger generations. Young Roma participants met with one of the last surviving witnesses of the genocide, reinforcing the responsibility to preserve these stories as the number of living survivors continues to decline.
The ceremony concluded with a shared commitment that the victims would never be forgotten and that remembrance remains essential in preventing future atrocities.
Image: Monaco Info