FNI Attends Launch of the United Nations Romani Memory Map

GENEVA – April 11, 2025 – The Facts and Norms Institute was pleased to attend the online public event held on April 11, 2025, marking the launch of the second round of entries for the Romani Memory Map for the Americas.

Convened by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and its partners, the event celebrated International Roma Day (April 8) and highlighted the ongoing efforts to bring visibility to Romani history and combat antigypsyism through memory and justice.

The launch showcased 21 new entries to the map, originating from Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and the United States. These additions enrich the initial map launched in 2024, further documenting the presence, contributions, and historical struggles of Romani communities across the Americas – a history often marginalized or erased, stretching back to the early colonial period.

FNI's participation in this event follows our dedicated contribution to the project's foundational phase.

In 2023, FNI conducted research, including consultations with Romani community members and experts in Brazil, to identify potential Memory Points and contribute insights into the impacts of antigypsyism and the community's resilience.

Attending this launch allowed FNI representatives to witness the project's continued growth and reaffirm our support for this vital initiative.

The event featured insightful presentations moderated by Dr. Martin Fotta (Institute of Ethnology, Czech Academy of Sciences). Dr. Aline Miklos (co-coordinator of the Romani Memory Map project), with whom FNI liaised during our research phase, presented the expanded map. Professor Ann Ostendorf (Gonzaga University, USA) discussed historical memory concerning Romani people in the Americas, while Pedro Casermeiro (Rromane Siklovne, Spain) shared perspectives on transitional justice efforts in Spain related to the Romani community. Opening and closing remarks were delivered by Claude Cahn (OHCHR), emphasizing the human rights dimensions of the project.

The Facts and Norms Institute extends particular acknowledgement and thanks to Ms. Aline Miklos, co-coordinator of the Romani Memory Map project.

Having liaised directly with Ms. Aline Miklos during our research phase, the Institute deeply appreciates her knowledge, and dedication.

FNI's contribution followed a brillant work by researcher Ana Elisa Barbosa Mourão whom the Institute gratefully acknowledges and praises.

The Romani Memory Map for the Americas stands as a significant collaborative effort involving UN bodies, academic institutions, civil society organizations, and Romani human rights defenders. It serves as a crucial resource for education, advocacy, and the pursuit of justice and recognition for Romani people.

The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights expressly acknowledge the Facts and Norms Institute's contribution to the project:

"The Romani Memory Map for the Americas is grateful for the contribution provided by Henrique Napoleão Alves and Ana Elisa Barbosa Mourao, representing the Facts and Norms Institute." (UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, 2025)

FNI commends OHCHR and all partners involved in the Romani Memory Map project. We remain committed to supporting initiatives that promote historical truth, combat discrimination, and uphold the human rights and dignity of Romani communities and all marginalized groups worldwide.

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Remarks by professor Henrique Napoleão Alves, Director of the Facts and Norms Institute, during the meeting:

"I am Henrique Napoleão Alves from the Facts and Norms Institute, an independent, self-funded academic organization based in Brazil.

We were among the participants in the call for inputs. Today, our contributions are being incorporated into the Memory Map. This is a day of great joy for us.

Of course, this marks just one step on the long journey toward Romani dignity, but progress is always made through many such steps.

I have asked for the floor not to pose a question, but simply to share how deeply happy and grateful I am to be part of this project.

I would like to conclude with three notes of gratitude:

First, I am thankful for the brilliant work of our former researcher Ana Elisa Barbosa Mourão, whom the Institute gratefully acknowledges and praises.

Second, I express my deep appreciation to Ms. Aline Miklos. During our research phase, she generously met with us, and her knowledge and insight were crucial to our efforts.

And last—but certainly not least—I want to thank and acknowledge the local community members, leaders, and everyone who contributed to our empirical research:

André Nicoliche, Maria Jane, Flávio José de Oliveira Silva, João Batista Nogueira (Mr. Rezende), Juliana Miranda Soares Campos, Leonardo Costa Kwiek, Nilcelia de Jesus, Raquel Freire do Amaral, and Valdinalva Caldas (Ms. Nalva).

We thank the United Nations for the opportunity to contribute and offer our continued support for any future steps related to the Memory Map."

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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 30 technical notes and reports submitted to the UN Special Procedures in recent years.