Press Advisories

18. 4. 202316:55

Government Commissioner Lucie Fuková celebrated International Romani Day at the Castle. With President Pavel and Romani students

President Petr Pavel and his wife, Eva Pavlová, met with the Government Commissioner for Romani Minority Affairs, Lucie Fuková, and Romani students at Prague Castle. Together they celebrated International Romani Day (8 April). The Government Commissioner spoke about the history of Romani emancipation and the importance of education, President Pavel emphasised the need to break down prejudices, and students presented their stories. The Romani anthem was also sung for the first time at the Castle.

“The joint celebration of International Romani Day at Prague Castle was a space to remember the meaning of the celebration of these days, but also a confirmation that quality education is the most important means of helping children of all social and ethnic groups succeed in society. I consider the presentation of the Romani students to the President to be proof that the path to better education can bring changes throughout society,”said Lucie Fuková, the Government Commissioner for Romani Minority Affairs.

“I consider prejudice to be one of the greatest dangers of our time, and by no means one that concerns only Romani people. The prejudices are often based on a lack of information, on long-standing stereotypes, and on a lack of willingness to listen to each other and understand each other's arguments. I think it is important to show good examples, not only to your community, but especially to the majority community, which often still suffers from these prejudices. You are an example that it is possible to break out of this circle of prejudices, that it is possible to look at things in a completely different way and that there is a lot to work on,” said President Pavel to the students at the beginning of the meeting.

The presidential couple met with secondary and university students of various disciplines, from health care to pedagogy to psychology.

“I am very pleased that together with my long-time friend Richard Samek I have managed to turn the idea of this event into reality,” said Lucie Fuková, the Government Commissioner for Romani Minority Affairs. Although her busy schedule at the moment is primarily focused on setting the basic boundaries for the functioning of her new office, she considered the preparation and organisation of the meeting with the presidential couple to be absolutely crucial – even in the context of the symbolic nature of the event.

“I am extremely grateful that the President and his office took a positive approach to the idea and that the negotiations related to the organisation of the event were conducted in a friendly and professional spirit. I am proud to be with the students, Richard and others at Prague Castle in such great company on a day that is so important to us. I would like to thank my team, as well as Štefan Balog from Romeo, Simona Wachsbergerová from the Verda Foundation, Kumar Vishwanathan from Vzájemné soužití and the Albatros Foundation for their help in selecting the students,” added Government Commissioner Lucie Fuková.

The Government Commissioner believes the meeting at the Castle has succeeded in moving the perception of the Romani minority in the right direction and has also provided a space for talented and successful students to become more visible – not just those present. “You are the hope that things are changing for the better, stay strong,” says Lucie Fuková to the students.