U.S. Mission to International
Organizations in Geneva

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I extend my best wishes to all Roma on International Roma Day.

On April 8, we celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Roma people everywhere, and the contributions that Roma make to our societies, including the over one million Americans of Romani descent.

It is also a day to reflect on the exclusion many Roma face in their daily lives and to recommit to effectively remedy discrimination. Unfortunately, segregated schools, extremist anti-Roma rhetoric and violence, and marginalization from political and economic life continue to prevent many Roma children from reaching their full potential.