The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O'Flaherty, launched today the new book and accompanying photo exhibition, "The Unheard 12 Million". This groundbreaking, first-person account is an eye-opener and an urgent call for European decision makers and all of us to act decisively to improve the lived experience and secure the human rights of the 10-12 million Roma and Travellers across the continent.
Despite their clear and powerful voices demanding justice and equality, Roma and Travellers are often systemically excluded, unheard, and face vicious hatred and discrimination in far too many places.
The book tells the compelling stories of those at the forefront, particularly Roma and Traveller women and girls, fighting for their own rights and for those of others pushed to the margins of society. They stand as the essential changemakers who empower, build bridges, and provide support where systems have failed. They strive to shape a future where everyone lives in safety and dignity.
Based on the Commissioner's travels and personal encounters, the book brings home the dire reality of their experiences through first-hand accounts and direct quotes of Roma and Travellers, ensuring that their demands for equal access to rights and opportunities are heard. This powerful text is reinforced by narrative photography, including images by an award-winning photojournalist, which impactfully convey the complex realities of life for Roma and Travellers. Together, the voices and visuals in "The Unheard 12 Million" provide an unfiltered and necessary account of resilience and starkly expose our shared failure.
A Call to Action
"We must confront the injustices experienced by Roma and Travellers, the racism and discrimination that we allow to persist on a massive scale. This is one of Europe's greatest human rights scandals," says Commissioner O'Flaherty. "This book is not just a collection of stories; it is a mirror reflecting our responsibility to build a world where everyone belongs. Their voices are strong and clear, and we must finally listen to them, respect them, and act on their demands for equality and justice. The time for indifference is over."
The Commissioner stresses that the book's goal is clear: to compel decision makers and all of us to act to uphold the human rights of Europe's largest ethnic minority.
Michael O'Flaherty began his six-year term as the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights in April 2024. He promotes awareness of and fosters the effective observance of human rights across the organisation's 46 member states.
While addressing Europe as a whole, the book specifically features experiences from Finland, Greece, Ireland, North Macedonia, and Slovakia.
The book, The Unheard 12 Million, is published by the Council of Europe and is accompanied by a photo exhibition set to tour key European cities.
Download the book "The Unheard 12 Million"
