The non-governmental organization (NGO) Center for the Affirmation of the Roma-Egyptian Population (CAREP), on the occasion of World Roma Day, which is celebrated on April 8, organized an event at the Propaganda Bar, as part of the project "InterKultura - Youth against Barriers in Montenegro".
After the welcoming address by the Director of the Directorate for Interculturalism, Dr. Ljudmila Mile Popović, a panel discussion entitled "Glossary, Story, Belonging - Where Are the Roma Today", was held, with speakers Dr. Vesna Delić, author of the "Roma Glossary", Salko Lubored, on behalf of CEKUM, and Nardi Ahmetović, Executive Director of CAREP.
"The panelists exchanged views on the position of the Roma community today, with a particular focus on preserving the Romani language, culture and identity. They also discussed the daily challenges that Roma face in Montenegro – in the areas of education, healthcare, housing and employment – as well as the role of the media and institutions in combating discrimination," CAREP said in a statement.
The NGO said that through such events, they strive to give space to the Roma voice, tradition and experience, and reminded that the Roma have been part of European cultural heritage for centuries, although they still represent one of the most vulnerable communities in Montenegro.
"Our strength is not in how similar we are, but in how ready we are to accept and respect each other. That is why days and meetings like these are not just symbolic - they are a reminder that there is no 'them' and 'us', but only one - us," CAREP said.
After the panel, the audience enjoyed a cultural and entertainment program, and the moderator of the evening was Tijana Krunić.
The project "InterCultura - Youth against Barriers in Montenegro" is being implemented with the support of the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights and the Directorate for Interculturalism.
Bonus video:
