I am of the opinion that I ask one basic question:

Many foundations, organizations and institutions offer programs and projects to improve the situation of Roma at all levels, the question arises on if the work is done in a quality, constructive and transparent way. At the same time another question is set on which results and effects can be presented by those implementers of these project activities.

In this "grayness" of activism, all international, national, local Roma organizations with similar adjectives, which present themselves as "unique, true, and as the greatest Roma representatives" in front of donors and other state institutions just for their own promotion, they often begin to devalue other real fighters for Roma rights, organize congresses, assemblies, pass a bunch of declarations, decisions and similar manifestoes with alleged support from their virtual membership, then after a short period simply " to disappear "from the vision of the Roma movement and activism, by achieving their personal goal, taking some symbolic funds for their personal profits on the backs of the Roma, thus showing their true capacity t, legitimacy and patriotism

We must be aware that the institutions face many internal and external challenges in the exercise of their competences. In addition, expectations are enormous, and opportunities are increasingly limited. What we want to do is to help the institutions by strengthening their capacities, regional cooperation and exchange of experiences and knowledge about the developments on European level regarding the integration of the Roma. It is necessary to support this process in order to have a sincere desire and openness to cooperation.

While facing these challenges, we must ask ourselves, how do we live and what kind of problems in the everyday life are being faced by our brothers and sisters on every meridian in the world. What kind of brutality and repression are the Roma both from Europe and from South America, and North America, and in general as an example, who has shown great interest for the Roma and their problems from within the crisis regions such as Roma refugees from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and the heated Balkans. Who takes activities to review their situation?

It's enough to say that in addition to the fault that is among the world's organizations, the biggest fault is of us, the Roma ourselves, since we have not tried to raise this issue to the highest level.

Therefore, my dear Roma brothers and sisters, dear friends of Roma, intellectuals, Roma activists who are fighting for Roma policies, we need to take more open and concrete actions than to proudly show that we are Roma on such days, by laying of flowers, intonation of the anthem and expression of sympathy and emotional messages. It's time for bigger and visible actions, and to turn on the red alert.

Let's stop with illustrative messages "Who is the greatest Roma", but to give concrete contribution to eliminate all inconsistencies faced by the Roma people

Realizing the real situation of the Roma at the international and national level, I must mention that it is exactly on the 8th of April that we all together need to show all the actions for a better situation in general, to eliminate the omissions. But this is necessary with the adoption of acts, resolutions, proclamations, protest marches and reactions, and not with some kind of manifestations, concerts, gala dinners and cocktails.

Everything is fine when the Roma are portrayed in their cultural identity, but more activity is needed to solve the persistent problems and find a way out of these situations.

This 8th of April will come and go, and many more 8th of Aprils will follow, but where are we here? 

We need 365 - 8th of Aprils in a year to get things going and to change them.

Stay blessed and may God help us.

Best regards,

Zoran Dimov

President of the IRU