On the occasion of May 16 – the Romani Resistance Day, President Pendarovski sent the following message:
“Today, we remember May 16, 1944, the day of the brave resistance of the Romani during the World War II. This date marks their opposition to Nazi ideology, as well as the struggle for life.
Armed with hammers, shovels and wooden objects, several thousand Romani prisoners, men and women, opposed the planned execution by the Nazis at the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp.
This date reminds us that there is no room for human rights violations, anti-Gypsyism, discrimination. It is our responsibility to create modern societies by promoting human rights and freedoms, humanity and mutual respect.”
