Historical archive

Statesecretary Berit Oskal Eira

Opening of the exhibition The Holocaust Against the Roma and Sinti Present Day Racism in Europe

Historical archive

Published under: Stoltenberg's 2nd Government

Publisher: Ministry of Labour and Social Inclusion

The Center for Studies of Holocaust and Religious Minorities , 11.09.07

Distinguished guests,  

First I would like to express my thanks for being invited to the opening of this exhibition.
My name is Berit Oscal Eira. I am Deputy Minister in the Ministry of labour and social inclusion, responsible for Sámi and National Minority Affairs. Since 1999 the Roma have been recognised as one of the 5 national minorities in Norway.  

In connection with Holocaust the Roma have for various reasons not been very visible. The Holocaust Centre has already as part of its permanent exhibition a small section dealing with the situation of Roma. Roma, however, were proportionally as affected by Holocaust as were the Jews. Little by little this fact has been revealed, particularly by the Roma organisations themselves. Highlighting Roma by Holocuast Centre’s special exhibition is thus both important and necessary.

We meet with Romanian Roma as beggars in the streets of Oslo.  Why? In this regard Europe as a whole has so far not been able to cope with the challenge of the eastward enlargement. Roma have to a large extent been marginalized, turned into scapegoats, exposed to discrimination and have been driven out on the roads of Europe.  Also Roma living in the old democracies have to endure discrimination. Organisations like the EU and the CoE seek to guide their member countries in bettering the situation of the Roma. 

Norway has unfortunately no flattering history when it comes to the discrimination of minorities. I am myself a Sámi and know only too well the effects of the forced assimilation and racist ideology.

Particularly the Romani/tatere in Norway has suffered a lot, exposed to forced sterilisation and working camps. Discrimination of Romani/tatere in local communities in Norway still makes social cohesion difficult. This has caused wounds hard to heal and harmed the relationship between Romani/tatere and the authorities.

It is a long process to make up for previous discrimination: admit injustice, seek reconciliation and re-establish trust. The authorities have the main responsibility for this process to be carried out in the best possible manner. Through dialogue and recompensation we are on the right path. 

The discrimination we experience in to days Norway must be defeated no matter who is the victim and how. This a major task for the Government and the events this summer have proved that intensified actions are necessary.

The authorities may do a great deal, but in the last resort it is a question of the individual attitudes and behaviour which we all have to work on, both generally speaking and with regards to Roma. Thank your for your attention.