Skopje, 8 April 2026 (MIA) - The fight for equality and enhancement of Roma should be a goal of all stakeholders in society. The Roma community is an indispensable part of this society, having the same dignity, rights and values as any other community. However, equality of Roma is not fully reflected in reality, they are still facing various obstacles or discrimination in many walks of life, heard event "From Invisibility to Equality - sustainable inclusion and legal identity for the Roma community", held on International Romani Day in the Parliament on Wednesday.

Parliament Speaker Afrim Gashi said the date should not only be observed but also serve as a point of contemplation about the societal and institutional reality.

"This is a moment for reaffirmation of the richness of our society, built on diversity, dignity and cultural differences. But most of all, this is an opportunity to promote the values of equality, justice and adequate representation. On this day, let me stress that the Roma community is an indispensable part of this society, having the same dignity, rights and values as any other community. However, equality of Roma is not fully reflected in reality," said Speaker Gashi.

He added that despite the progress made in terms of legislation and public policies, many Roma citizens are still facing various obstacles or discrimination in the access to education, employment and other basic services, which is a serious test for the functioning of the rule of law and equality.

"That is why today's theme aims to highlight this commitment, because invisibility does not mean absence of rights but absence of justice. It does not mean absence of equality as a concept but lack of real opportunities, not absence of existence but lack of representation. First and foremost, invisibility does not mean lack of identity but oftentimes reflects an insufficiency of respect and violated human dignity. In this context, we all bear a share of responsibility," said Gashi.

The Speaker said democracy is not a gift coming from the outside but a result of joint efforts and way of thinking deeply rooted in the collective awareness.

"That is why we need a more coordinated, more sustainable and bolder approach, one which unifies interagency cooperation, political will, civil engagement, media responsibility, while ensuring that dignity and real equality of every citizen are the guiding principles, without exceptions," said Gashi.

According to him, the society is not complete and institutions are not fair without the Roma.

"Media and civil society play a role in stimulating constructive debates, identifying the challenges and facing institutions with reality. It is only through healthy public dialogue and sincere engagement that can see us moving from invisibility to equality," noted Gashi.

He added that a society that leaves someone behind falls behind itself, expressing hope that the next observance of the International Romani Day would take place amidst better policies, greater representation and higher awareness.

Edward Anderson from the OSCE Mission to Skopje said they have reviewed the Rome Strategy and perceived the challenges that the community faces in the areas of employment, housing, education, healthcare etc.

"We will continue to move forward. This approach requires coordination and brings all stakeholders on the table. Our key objectives are to have no child left out, no person left behind, to ensure that institutions are responsible and efficient. This requires consistency, joint efforts and responsibility," said Anderson.

Jashe Sefer, representative of the Roma community in the Parliament's Committee on Inter-Community Relations, said the day should not only be marked but serve as a reminder that the road to full inclusion and visibility is still long.

Sefer said that the right to identity is a fundamental human right, adding that the country has passed several laws that turn invisibility into visibility for Roma.

"There are still many children on the street, surrounded by poverty and excluded from the education process, with youth facing discrimination in employment. Sustainable policies can be created only when the voice of the community is heard. Let's hope that the next April 8 will focus on progress rather than problems," underlined Sefer.

Photo: MIA