On the occasion of the World Day of Romani Language, Ms Marija Pejčinović Burić, Council of Europe Secretary General, calls on the Organisation’s member states to recognise, protect, and promote the Romani language, which forms an integral part of our common European cultural heritage.
Romani is the language of 10-12 million Roma living in Europe. If left unprotected, the language and the unique cultural heritage it represents are endangered and the Roma will be deprived of a key component of their identity. Measures to create more opportunities for young Roma to learn their mother tongue at school are therefore necessary.
Member states are also encouraged to recognise Romani as a minority language under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages (ECRML) as a clear commitment to cultural and linguistic diversity in Europe.
The Council of Europe supports the promotion and teaching of the Romani language and has developed a Curriculum Framework for Romani (CFR).
