Roma Memorial Center Uštica

The exact number of Roma killed under the Nazi-allied Ustasa regime in the Independent State of Croatia remains unknown.^[2] Estimates from the Jasenovac Memorial Site suggest over 16,000 victims, but the true figure is likely higher.^[2] The Roma genocide has been largely overlooked, both during and after the war.^[2] The post-war Yugoslav Communist authorities emphasized "brotherhood and unity," downplaying ethnic-specific victimhood.^[2]

The Uštica site, part of the Jasenovac Memorial Area, was opened in July 1971 with the installation of a memorial plaque.^[3] The area covers 4,700 m² and contains 21 mass graves with the remains of most of the 16,173 Roma victims identified by name, who were murdered within the Jasenovac concentration camp system.^[3]

Despite its historical significance, no commemorations were held at Uštica until 2012.^[3] In 2011, representatives of the Croatian Romani Union "Kali Sara", including its then-president Veljko Kajtazi, visited the site and found it in a neglected state.^[3] In 2014, Kajtazi, as a member of the Croatian Parliament, successfully proposed the recognition of August 2 as the International Day of Remembrance for Roma Genocide Victims.^[3] In 2018, in collaboration with the Government of Croatia and the City of Zagreb, Kali Sara launched campaign to establish the Roma Memorial Centre Uštica as a permanent museum.^[3] The Roma Memorial Center Uštica was inaugurated on August 2, 2020, to mark the International Roma Genocide Remembrance Day.^[4] The center was officially opened by Suzana Krčmar, Veljko Kajtazi and Milan Bandić with presence of religious leaders from Serbian Orthodox Church, Roman Catholic Church and Muslim community.^[4]

• Romani people in Croatia