Throughout the month, more than 30 member states hosted awareness-raising events. Across the continent, many of these initiatives focused on promoting and protecting the rights of Roma communities.

Highlights from Strasbourg

In Strasbourg, the Council of Europe officially launched this year’s Opre Roma! month on 1 April. The program was inaugurated with the exhibition "Holocaust of the Soul" by the Czech Roma artist Zdeněk Daniel (Zdeněk Daniel architect).

During the opening vernissage, Ambassador Kristýna Najmanová, Permanent Representative of the Czech Republic to the Council of Europe, addressed the audience, followed by a performance by the Roma musical ensemble Djiben (Tzigane céleste).

Following the launch, a Dialogue Meeting with Roma and Traveller Civil Society was held on 2–3 April. This gathering spotlighted the essential role of civil society organizations, particularly as they navigate contemporary sustainability challenges.

From 5–11 April, the Council hosted the 2025 Roma Youth Together seminar. This event brought together 35 participants from 21 countries to share experiences and empower Roma youth to become agents of change within their local communities. A young delegate representing the Czech Republic, David Klimeš, also took part in the event.

The highlight of the Opre Roma! month coincided with International Roma Day on 8 April. The ceremony featured a performance of the Romani anthem, "Gelem, Gelem," followed by remarks from honored guests. The commemorations concluded with a symbolic flower-casting ceremony, during which flowers were cast into the river in Strasbourg near the Council of Europe Youth Centre, to honour the identity, resilience, and cultural heritage of the Roma people.