Call to Recognize August 2 as National Commemoration Day for Roms Genocide in France
A collective of young Roms urges France to institute August 2 as a national day of remembrance for genocide victims during WWII.
Key Points
- • A collective of young Roms advocates for August 2 to be recognized as a national commemoration day.
- • The extermination of 4,300 Roms occurred at Auschwitz on August 2-3, 1944.
- • Over 500,000 Roms and Travellers were affected by genocide during the Holocaust.
- • The call highlights France's historical role in the internment of 'nomadic' populations.
In a powerful appeal published on August 2, 2025, a collective of young Roms and Travellers is urging the French government to officially acknowledge this date as a national day of remembrance for the genocide of Roms during World War II. They emphasize that this recognition is crucial for preserving the memory of the over 500,000 Roms, Sinti, Gitans, Manouches, Yéniches, and Travellers who were persecuted and exterminated during the Holocaust.
The date holds special significance as it marks the anniversary of a horrific event that took place in the night of August 2 to 3, 1944, when approximately 4,300 Roms were killed at Auschwitz-Birkenau. This atrocity represents one of the darkest chapters in European history, showcasing the extent of persecution these marginalized communities faced. The collective stresses that many members of their community were interned in camps across France, subjected to internment and forced residence policies enacted by the French state, including during the Vichy regime.
The advocates argue that the absence of official recognition reflects a broader failure to come to terms with this aspect of France’s historical responsibility. They call on parliamentarians to acknowledge this part of history, not just as a matter of remembrance but as a step towards correcting the historical narrative regarding the treatment of Roms and Travellers in France.
"We can no longer ignore the suffering of our ancestors—this part of history deserves a place in the collective memory of France," said a spokesperson from the collective. The push for recognition is not just about remembrance but also about ensuring justice and acknowledgment for those who suffered through these oppressive policies.
As France grapples with its past, the campaign advocates for meaningful dialogue and a commitment to representing the experiences of all groups affected by the genocide, urging lawmakers to act swiftly in establishing August 2 as a national commemoration day. This initiative aims to honor the victims and remind future generations of the need to uphold human rights and dignity for all.