The opening of the Roma Educational and Cultural Center will certainly contribute to better inclusion of the members of the Roma community into Croatian society and provide an opportunity for the majority population to get better acquainted with the Roma culture and traditions.

28 January 2022 marked the opening of the Roma Educational and Cultural Center in Zagreb. The space and the content it offers are sure to contribute to better inclusion of the Roma community into society at large. Along with Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, Deputy Prime Minister in charge with social affairs and human rights Boris Milošević, the Minister of Culture Nina Obuljen Koržinek, member of the Parliament representing the Roma minority Veljko Kajtazi and other esteemed guests, the opening ceremony was attended by Ombudswoman Tena Šimonović Einwalter and Deputy Ombudswoman Tatjana Vlašić.

The rights of national minorities, especially the Roma communities, represent one of the focal points in the work of the Office of the Ombudswoman. We engage into regular field visits to Roma settlements as well as communication and dialogue with their inhabitants and representatives of the Roma national minority. Through these activities, as well as our successful cooperation with the civil society organizations such as the Croatian Roma Alliance, we gain insight into the many problems faced by the Roma in various areas of life. Education is one of the key elements of successful inclusion, thus the opening of the Roma Educational and Cultural Center represents an important step in creating better educational opportunities for the Roma population, especially its young members. At the same time, it is expected to become a meeting point between cultures, providing a chance for the majority population to learn about the Roma culture and traditions.

The opening ceremony, organized by the Croatian Roma Alliance “Kali Sara”, was followed by the opening of the exhibition titled “Following in the Footsteps of the Roma Culture – the Notable Roma”, centering around the portraits of the notable Roma artists, scientists, individuals from the sports arena, as well as activists and politicians, whose work has contributed to the development of the Croatian society.