Official Establishment of the Roma Embassy in The Hague Marks a Historic Diplomatic Addition
On January 21, 2026, the Roma Embassy was officially inaugurated in The Hague, representing a significant milestone for the Romani community worldwide. This embassy serves as a platform to promote cultural, social, economic, and humanitarian cooperation, operating within the existing legal frameworks of the countries where Romani individuals reside.
The decision to establish the embassy comes just four months after the Haarlem Proclamation, which marked the community’s commitment to developing a Sovereign Non-Territorial Roma State. Attendees at the inaugural meeting included community leaders and supporters, where the Hague Proclamation was signed, further cementing this initiative.
Organized as a foundation, the embassy aims to foster mutual understanding and combat stereotypes while safeguarding Romani identity as part of the world's intangible cultural heritage. The first official meeting convened at De Rode Olifant residence in The Hague, bringing together board members and guests eager to foster a supportive environment for the Romani people.
"For us, this is a symbolic state, always operating within the legal frameworks of the countries we inhabit," stated Aleksandar Gavrilovic, the promoter and treasurer of the embassy. The focus of the embassy is not on political or territorial claims but rather on dialogue and connections. This includes education, culture, heritage protection, and authentically representing Romani interests.
Esmeralda Hrustic, a young Romani and aspiring notary, was elected as the ambassador’s president. As a representative of a new generation, she emphasizes the importance of women and youth in leadership roles. “With this embassy, we are taking an unprecedented step together. I am proud to contribute,” Hrustic stated passionately.
The Hague’s strategic location provides a robust foundation for international coordination and collaboration within Romani initiatives across various countries. Gavrilovic remarked on the supportive atmosphere in the Netherlands that allows for this development.
The positive sentiment echoed through the voices of several entrepreneurs and Dutch supporters present at the meeting. Secretary Orhan Galjus expressed his excitement about the significant participation from the Dutch business community, viewing this as a historic moment for the Romani community to engage with the world in a new way.
External partners also recognized the importance of an official Romani Embassy. Adriaan Kamphorst from Royal Joh. Enschedé, a well-known company renowned for its high-security printed materials, highlighted the need for a recognized contact point for governments to interact with the Romani community. "We sincerely hope this endeavor will be a great success for all Romani tribes and that they receive the recognition they deserve,” he expressed.
The upcoming months will focus on establishing diplomatic relations through the Roma Embassy, further strengthening alliances within the Romani ecosystem, and carefully shaping a digital and physical Romani affiliation. This affiliation provides an opportunity for individuals to affirm their cultural ties and heritage visibly and administratively. In future developments, attention will also be directed to supporting stateless individuals and ensuring their rights are fully recognized within national administrative systems where the Romani population exists as a diaspora.
Ultimately, the Roma Embassy in The Hague stands as a beacon of hope and progress for the Romani people, symbolizing their resilience and commitment to cultural preservation and diplomatic engagement on a global stage. The era of recognition has commenced, and with it, the promise of dialogue, exchange, and flourishing cultural collaboration.
The decision to establish the embassy comes just four months after the Haarlem Proclamation, which marked the community’s commitment to developing a Sovereign Non-Territorial Roma State. Attendees at the inaugural meeting included community leaders and supporters, where the Hague Proclamation was signed, further cementing this initiative.
Organized as a foundation, the embassy aims to foster mutual understanding and combat stereotypes while safeguarding Romani identity as part of the world's intangible cultural heritage. The first official meeting convened at De Rode Olifant residence in The Hague, bringing together board members and guests eager to foster a supportive environment for the Romani people.
"For us, this is a symbolic state, always operating within the legal frameworks of the countries we inhabit," stated Aleksandar Gavrilovic, the promoter and treasurer of the embassy. The focus of the embassy is not on political or territorial claims but rather on dialogue and connections. This includes education, culture, heritage protection, and authentically representing Romani interests.
Esmeralda Hrustic, a young Romani and aspiring notary, was elected as the ambassador’s president. As a representative of a new generation, she emphasizes the importance of women and youth in leadership roles. “With this embassy, we are taking an unprecedented step together. I am proud to contribute,” Hrustic stated passionately.
The Hague’s strategic location provides a robust foundation for international coordination and collaboration within Romani initiatives across various countries. Gavrilovic remarked on the supportive atmosphere in the Netherlands that allows for this development.
The positive sentiment echoed through the voices of several entrepreneurs and Dutch supporters present at the meeting. Secretary Orhan Galjus expressed his excitement about the significant participation from the Dutch business community, viewing this as a historic moment for the Romani community to engage with the world in a new way.
External partners also recognized the importance of an official Romani Embassy. Adriaan Kamphorst from Royal Joh. Enschedé, a well-known company renowned for its high-security printed materials, highlighted the need for a recognized contact point for governments to interact with the Romani community. "We sincerely hope this endeavor will be a great success for all Romani tribes and that they receive the recognition they deserve,” he expressed.
The upcoming months will focus on establishing diplomatic relations through the Roma Embassy, further strengthening alliances within the Romani ecosystem, and carefully shaping a digital and physical Romani affiliation. This affiliation provides an opportunity for individuals to affirm their cultural ties and heritage visibly and administratively. In future developments, attention will also be directed to supporting stateless individuals and ensuring their rights are fully recognized within national administrative systems where the Romani population exists as a diaspora.
Ultimately, the Roma Embassy in The Hague stands as a beacon of hope and progress for the Romani people, symbolizing their resilience and commitment to cultural preservation and diplomatic engagement on a global stage. The era of recognition has commenced, and with it, the promise of dialogue, exchange, and flourishing cultural collaboration.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.