would like to request that you please publish the logo for the International Romani Day on your main page on April 8 to raise awareness about one of the largest minorities in Europe which has a rich history on the continent, but also experiences some of the most severe discrimination of all ethnic groups in areas of employment, housing, education and health care. Violence against Roma is also on the rise as economic strife across the EU deepens. Roma, of course, live all over the world.
International Romani Day was established in 1971, the year the Romani people themselves, representing communities from 14 different countries met in London to discuss civil rights, cultural heritage, post-WWII reparations, and more. The Congress also agreed on the use of the word "Roma" as a self-identifier (instead of the pejorative term "Gypsy").
Please post the International Romani Day logo on April 8 2012 to commemorate this day and to raise awareness about the Roma issue all across Europe and the world.
This would not be a political gesture, nor is it meant to highlight suffering or any other negative issue.
The logo will not and cannot offend any other grouping of persons and has no offensive symbolism. Indeed, as we are just half way through the European Union Decade of Romani Inclusion, the symbolic gesture could only be seen in a positive light.
For us, google is a corporation we feel has the right cultural values and innovation for such a step. We feel, as avid users of google. that this will reflect in a most positive way.
The Romani people of Europe and the world are not, have never, and will never ask for a separate state based on ethnic, moral or other grounds. There are repeated requests for the end of officially tolerated racism at European and NGO level, as well as private cases.
Hopefully such a step will be a major innovative boost for integration of a much-marginalised group.
Thank you.
Best regards.
