Artur Conka on assignment to report on the 70th anniversary of the Roma genocide
The UnFrame photographer Artur Conka is currently on assignment for Open Society Foundations in Krakow / Auschwitz, Poland, to report on the Roma Genocide Remembrance Initiative.
Today, August 2, marks the 70th anniversary of the Roma Genocide. On this date in 1944, 2,897 elderly men and women, as well as children were murdered in the gas chambers of the Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau. TernYpe – International Roma Youth Network and its partners organize an international conference and youth event gathering 1.000 people from 25 countries to both honour the past and to ensure a future where the rights and dignity of Roma communities are respected.
The Roma Genocide Remembrance Initiative is expected to be the biggest commemoration event to date. Karolina Mirga, Secretary General of ternYpe is hopeful that by bringing together young activists, civil society organizations and decision-makers, the current challenges of racism, hate speech and extremism in Europe can be brought to the attention of society as a whole: “70 years have passed since the tragic events of August 2, yet until this day Roma continue to face daily acts of violence, persecution and dehumanization. By refusing to recognize and condemn the past, we are allowing a similar rhetoric to occur in the present day. It is for that reason that ternYpe is committed to advocate for the wider official recognition of the Roma Genocide. We stand up for Roma dignity.”
Artur dedicates most of his professional career focusing on the plight of the Roma Gypsies and Travellers in Europe. He will cover the 3 days long commemoration event with photographic reports.
The Roma Genocide Remembrance begins in Krakow, 01 Aug 2014. Photo: Artur Conka / UnFrame
