Facts and Norms Institute meets with the United Nations to discuss the Romani Memory Map

The Facts and Norms Institute (FNI) is pleased to announce its active contribution to the "Romani Memory Map for the Americas" project, an initiative spearheaded by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

On September 8, 2023, FNI researcher Ana Elisa Barbosa Mourão and FNI Director Henrique Napoleão Alves had a virtual meeting with Dr. Aline Miklos, Consultant for OHCHR. During this meeting, they discussed the scope of FNI's contribution and how the institute can meaningfully assist in the collective development of this crucial project.

The map seeks to rescue and preserve the history and memory of the Romani people, which has often been erased or misrepresented from public spaces and collective memory due to antigypsyism.

This initiative comes at a pivotal time as preparations are underway for the 80th-anniversary commemoration of the International Roma Holocaust Memorial Day on August 2, 2024. This day marks the liquidation of the “Zigeunerlager” in Auschwitz-Birkenau, where several thousand Roma were murdered by the Nazis in a single night.

FNI deeply believes in the power of memory and justice as fundamental tools in building more just and inclusive societies. The institute is honored to be part of this project and hopes that its contribution will shine a light on the rich history and culture of the Romani people, as well as the challenges they have faced throughout history.

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About the Facts and Norms Institute:

FNI is an independent organization dedicated to human rights research and education, promoting understanding and respect for the diverse cultures and histories that make up society. Throughout its trajectory, FNI has been committed to projects that aim to educate, inform, and bridge the past and present, ensuring a fairer future for all.

FNI is a frequent contributor to the work of the United Nations, with more than 20 technical notes and reports submitted to the UN Special Procedures in recent years.