Statement by Ambassador Beyrle for the International Roma Day, April 8th

I would like to take this opportunity to commemorate International Roma Day and to honor the many Roma entrepreneurs, educators, and activists who continue to make valuable contributions to American and Bulgarian societies.  The Roma are minorities in many European countries and number an estimated 15 million worldwide.  In the United States, Roma are an integral part of our culturally and religiously diverse spirit and tradition.

As we celebrate the cultural achievements and positive contributions of Roma, we must also acknowledge the continued problems that Roma face today.  Romani individuals and communities in many countries frequently face violence, police brutality and discrimination in education, employment and housing. 

In Bulgaria, there are many advocates for progress and we applaud them, but much work remains to be done.  We understand from our own experience that peaceful and prosperous relations in a religiously and ethnically diverse society require continued investment and commitment.  As a nation, we challenge ourselves every day to find new ways to address the economic and educational gaps in our society. 

Here in Bulgaria, we are proud to support local grassroots and civil society efforts to promote improved education, economic integration, and political engagement of all sectors of Bulgarian's society, particularly the Roma population.  We encourage similar efforts all around the world.