PRESS RELEASE:
The U.S. Embassy to the Holy See and the Community of Sant’Egidio Partner to Assist Roma Children
ROME – April 8, 2021
On the occasion of International Roma Day April 8, U.S. Embassy to the Holy See Chargé d’Affaires Patrick Connell visited the Community of Sant’Egidio’s People of Peace (Genti di Pace) Center in Rome.
Ms. Daniela Pompei, head of the Community of Sant’Egidio for services to migrants, refugees, and members of the Roma community, explained the initiatives the Center is taking in support of the Roma, which include a range of services from food distribution to the schooling of children.
Across Europe and around the world, many Roma continue to face ongoing discrimination, excluding them from basic rights and privileges enjoyed by others. Segregated schools, marginalization from political and economic life, and extremist anti-Roma rhetoric and violence deny Romani children essential healthcare, safety, and education.
All children deserve the same educational opportunities to reach their full potential. To assist Roma children living in Rome, the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See and the Community of Sant’Egidio have partnered on the “Right to School, Right to the Future” program to provide essential school supplies to Roma children.
Speaking at the People of Peace Center, Chargé Connell said, “Today is International Roma Day and it is right for us to celebrate the many contributions of Romani people across the globe. It is also appropriate today to recall that the United States reaffirms its commitment to promoting dignity and equality for the Roma as well as for other marginalized groups. Each of us must stand up against prejudice and intolerance and recognize the value and dignity of each individual, regardless of where they come from.” Sant’Egidio’s Daniela Pompei stated, “We need to distance ourselves from old and new prejudices and courageously undertake initiatives that favor the full integration of Roma people into our societies.”