No. 06-00-4/2026-03    Date:  16. 3. 2026

REPUBLIC OF SERBIA

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

Professor Dejan Vuk Stanković, Minister

Nemanjina 22-26

11000 Belgrade

SUBJECT: Initiative for Marking International Roma Day in Primary and Secondary Schools in the Republic of Serbia

Dear Mr. Stanković,

The Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, in accordance with Article 33, Paragraph 1, Item 9 of the Law on the Prohibition of Discrimination,[1] submits to the Ministry of Education an initiative to undertake measures for marking International Roma Day in primary and secondary schools in the Republic of Serbia.

The Commissioner proposes that the Ministry of Education consider the possibility of dedicating the first class on April 8, International Roma Day, in all primary and secondary schools across the Republic of Serbia to familiarizing students with the history, culture, language, and identity of the Roma community, as well as discussions on the importance of equality, respect for diversity, and the fight against discrimination.

International Roma Day is celebrated as a day dedicated to affirming Roma identity, culture, and tradition, as well as an opportunity to highlight the position of the Roma community and the challenges its members continue to face. In this regard, education plays a crucial role in developing an understanding of social diversity and building relationships based on respect and equality, especially among children and youth.

The Commissioner points out that the Action Plan for the Implementation of the Strategy for the Social Inclusion of Roma Men and Women in the Republic of Serbia for the period 2026–2027 provides for Measure 1.2.9 – “An initiative towards school administrations and primary and secondary schools to mark  April 8, International Roma Day, in all educational institutions,” with the Ministry of Education designated as the responsible authority. This initiative represents one of the proposed ways to implement the measure and to strengthen the visibility of Roma culture, history, and identity within the education system.

Bearing in mind that Article 8 of the Law on the Foundations of the Education System,[2] Item 15, prescribes as one of the objectives of education the development and respect for equality on the grounds of race, nationality, culture, language, religion, gender, sex and age, as well as tolerance and respect for diversity, we propose that, in order to ensure the quality implementation of the lesson, teachers and professional associates be recommended, in accordance with the age of students and the manner in which they plan their teaching, to present to students the history of Roma, their origin and presence in Serbia, as well as the basic elements of Roma identity, including language, culture and tradition.

During the lesson, Roma national symbols (the flag and the anthem) may be presented, as well as examples of the contributions of individual members of the Roma community in the fields of culture, arts, sports, science, and public life, thereby contributing to a more comprehensive and balanced representation of the Roma community.

In this way, in accordance with Article 79, Item 1 of the Law, the right of students to quality education is also ensured through the development of positive human values, as well as a sense of solidarity, understanding, and constructive cooperation with members of the Roma national minority, fostering companionship and friendship.

Particular attention should be devoted to discussions with students about stereotypes and prejudices, including an explanation of how they arise, how they are maintained, and what consequences they may have for individuals and the community. In this context, it is important to point out to students that people often generalize easily and draw conclusions without sufficient information, which can lead to incorrect attitudes and unfair treatment of others. At the same time, it is important to familiarize students with the historical and social circumstances that have led to the long-standing marginalization and discrimination of the Roma community, as well as with the obstacles its members continue to face today. Teachers should encourage students to develop a critical approach to such phenomena and to question established attitudes. It is particularly important that teachers pay attention to the way in which content is presented, in order to avoid simplified or stereotypical representations of the Roma community, and instead present the topic in a broader social and historical context, in a manner that affirms the dignity of every individual.

Bearing in mind the importance of education in shaping students’ attitudes, the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality considers that the implementation of this initiative would contribute to reducing prejudice, improving understanding of social diversity, strengthening the values of respect and equality within the education system of the Republic of Serbia, as well as reducing the risk of discrimination against this vulnerable social group.

In this regard, the Commissioner expects the Ministry of Education to consider this initiative and, if it is accepted, to undertake appropriate measures and timely inform all primary and secondary schools in the Republic of Serbia, in order to ensure that the marking of International Roma Day is carried out in a consistent and substantively appropriate manner.

The Commissioner further points out that it would be of particular importance for this activity to be implemented on a continuous basis, i.e. that each year, on April 8, the first class in all primary and secondary schools in the Republic of Serbia be dedicated to marking International Roma Day.

The Commissioner for the Protection of Equality remains at your disposal for providing additional information, guidance, and support in the preparation of materials for the implementation of this initiative.

[1] “Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia”, Nos. 22/2009 and 52/2021

[2] “Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia” Nos. 88/2017, 27/2018 – other law, 10/2019, 27/2018 – other law, 6/2020, 129/2021, 92/2023 and 19/2025)

COMMISSIONER FOR THE PROTECTION OF EQUALITY

Milan Antonijević