In 1991, descendants of Roma who immigrated to Düsseldorf as guest workers founded the International Cultural and Sports Association of the Roma, Carmen e.V. Its highest goal is to achieve equal participation in society and non-discriminatory acceptance of all people.
We, the board and members of Carmen e.V., stand firmly on the principles of the Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany. Centuries of experiences with discrimination, exclusion, and persecution shaped by antigypsyism — culminating in genocide — have taught us Roma to value democracy and its central principle: the inviolability of human dignity. We have a heightened sensitivity to violations of human rights and explicitly advocate for their protection. We are part of German society and assume responsibility, while also demanding equal participation at all levels of social and political life.
In addition to promoting the participation of Roma in society, politics, education, and culture, Carmen e.V. explicitly works to protect democracy and to overcome racism and antigypsyism.