International Romani Union

The International Romani Union is an organisation that promotes Romani rights and culture. Its headquarters are in Vienna, with offices in Skopje and Washington, D.C. Founded in 1978 at the second World Romani Congress, it has been led by figures such as Rajko Đurić, Emil Ščuka and Stanislav Stankiewicz. The current president, Zoran Dimov, was elected in 2016 during the 10th congress in Skopje, attended by delegates from 40 countries. The union holds consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council. It traces its origins to the World Gypsy Community established in France in 1959 by Ionel Rotaru. The organisation has evolved through several name changes, reflecting shifts in Romani self-identification. After adopting ‘Roma’ in 1971, the International Gypsy Committee became the International Rom Committee. In 1978 it took its present name and gained Council of Europe membership the following year. It was granted UN consultative status in 1979 and later became a registered NGO with UNICEF in 1986. By 1993 it had achieved special consultative status at the UN. The union consists of four bodies: congress, parliament, presidium and court of justice. Visitors to the Steiermark office will find a working centre for Romani advocacy. The building houses staff coordinating international projects and communications. Meetings with local Romani communities are organised here regularly. Documents and reports on Romani rights are available to the public. The office maintains links with European institutions and human rights bodies. It serves as a point of contact for Romani organisations across Austria and beyond.