Embassy Press Release

Remarks Delivered By Charge d’Affaires Jeri Guthrie-Corn On The Occasion Of International Roma Day

April 8, 2009

Chargé d'Affaires, Jeri Guthrie-Corn, offering her remarks at the International Roma Day. Bucharest, April 8, 2009 (Lucian Crusoveanu / Public Diplomacy Office)

The Diplomatic Club, Bucharest
- as prepared for delivery -

State Secretaries
Mrs. Matache;
Esteemed representatives of the Romanian Government;
Distinguished members of the Diplomatic Corps,
Ladies and Gentlemen:

It is a pleasure for me to be here together with Romani CRISS as co-host of this fourth annual reception in honor of International Roma Day.

Each year we see more reason to appreciate the positive contributions of the Roma in Romania. Indeed, International Roma Day presents the opportunity to celebrate these contributions and the vibrant traditions of Roma culture.

We must not lose sight of the challenges that the Roma community continues to face daily: discrimination, poverty and lack of adequate access to education and employment. Too often, Roma lack identity documents, citizenship papers and housing titles. Too often they are excluded – from social services, from home ownership, from employment.

A democratic society promotes the inclusion of all its citizens in economic, political and social life. As a multi-cultural society, Romania faces many challenges and responsibilities with regard to racism and discrimination. We encourage both the Romanian Government and citizenry to recognize and address these issues. We stand ready to assist as best we can.

Romania has made some progress in recent years in addressing problems faced by its Roma citizens in access to education and health care. But much more needs to be done – not just in these areas, but also in providing access to housing, and employment.

The United States has faced many challenges in this area, including the struggle to abolish slavery, end segregation and seek social justice for all. The path has not been easy, and neither will it be easy here. Success, though, is worth the struggle.

We remain committed to protecting and promoting human rights for all in Romania through our bilateral relations, and through our involvement in organizations such as the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Today in her message marking International Roma Day, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton “urged governments throughout Europe to continue their efforts to address the plight of the Roma, to end discrimination and ensure equality of opportunity in education and employment.”

With the support of the U.S. and the EU, and with the contributions of people like you, I am confident Romania can and will become a more just and inclusive society. As Secretary Clinton noted, “It is in the interest of the larger European and global community to create conditions that maximize the success of the people within our borders and beyond.”

On behalf of the U.S. Government, let me say that we will continue to support the work of NGOs such as Romani CRISS to create a better future for the Roma in Romania.

Thank you for your attention, and congratulations on this important day.

More photos:

Chargé d'Affaires, Jeri Guthrie-Corn (L), offering her remarks at the International Roma Day. Bucharest, April 8, 2009 (Lucian Crusoveanu / Public Diplomacy Office)

Chargé d'Affaires, Jeri Guthrie-Corn (L), talks to the President of the Roma Center Amare Rromentza, Delia Grigore (R), on the occasion of International Roma Day, April 8, 2009. The Diplomatic Club, Bucharest, April 8, 2009 (Lucian Crusoveanu / Public Diplomacy Office)

back to top ^