IHRA Recommendations for Teaching and Learning about the Persecution and Genocide of the Roma
Between 1933 and 1945, European Roma faced persecution, violence, and genocide at the hands of the Nazis and their collaborators. Hundreds of thousands of Roma men, women, and children were murdered, while countless others were subjected to forced labor, sterilization, and medical experiments. Despite this history of persecution, the genocide of the Roma remains under-acknowledged and under-researched. The marginalization experienced is not just history, but a present reality, deeply shaped by the world’s failure to recognize this genocide.
The IHRA Recommendations for Teaching and Learning about the Persecution and Genocide of the Roma during the Nazi Era promote accurate historical narratives and inclusive education, supporting efforts to integrate Roma history into school curricula and advocating for international standards in teaching about this genocide. By teaching this history, we have an opportunity to confront deep-seated prejudices and provide a meaningful education that helps us understand the link between past and present anti-Roma discrimination.
Drafted by the IHRA’s expert and political community in collaboration with Roma organizations and international experts in education, museums, and memorial sites, the new IHRA Recommendations provide policymakers and educators with practical guidance and effective approaches to teaching this long-overlooked history. Featuring historical and pedagogical examples, practical worksheets, and Roma voices, the Recommendations highlight the importance of raising awareness and understanding of the genocide.
To learn more about the IHRA Recommendations for Teaching and Learning about the Persecution and Genocide of the Roma during the Nazi Era visit the IHRA’s website.
