American and Canadian embassies in Prague display Romani flag for International Romani Day

The Ambassador of Canada to the Czech Republic, Barbara Richardson, put up the Romani flag yesterday afternoon at the embassy. “On April 8, International Romani Day is celebrated all around the world. Ambassador Richardson supports this international day and is happy to display the Romani flag here at the Embassy! International Romani Day celebrates Romani culture and raises awareness of the economic and social issues facing Romani people. There are approximately 250,000-300,000 Roma in the Czech Republic. Canada recognizes the importance of promoting understanding between Roma and non-Roma people and Roma integration in the Czech Republic. For Canada, inclusion and diversity are part of our fabric and a source of openness, acceptance, progress and prosperity,” the embassy’s Facebook profile reads.

The Embassy of the United States of America also displayed the Romani flag on Wednesday, 5 April. “International Romani Day is not just an occasion to express respect for Romani culture and heritage, but also to remind us all that it is necessary to change our approach toward people who find themselves on the outskirts of society. It is also an opportunity to publicly support the equality and inclusion of all Romani people,” the embassy’s statement said.

The north Bohemian city of Liberec, the fifth-largest in the Czech Republic, has also decided to officially mark International Romani Day this year. The international Romani flag is being flown on the City Hall and Regional Authority buildings there.