On August 2, Chargé d’Affairs Natasha Franceschi commemorated the Memorial Day of the Roma Holocaust in Banska Bystrica, alongside President Zuzana Caputova, and Prime Minister Igor Matovic. She observed a moment of silence to remember the 500,000+ Roma victims who died in Nazi extermination camps during World War II. Through Chargé d’Affairs Franceschi’s participation in the ceremony, we remember and honor the survivors for their heroism and incredible determination.  It is the duty of each and every one of us to ensure that such a tragedy never reoccurs.  The commemoration of the Roma Holocaust reminds us of the suffering of the victims and the importance of combating prejudice, xenophobia and hatred in all societies.  The event served to raise awareness of the challenges Roma people continue to face through discrimination and marginalization, from education to employment, equal access to health and social services.