The persecution of Roma under National Socialism was a genocide. This statement is important because a genocide fundamentally differs from other forms of persecution. A genocide aims to obliterate an entire group that the majority society defines as an ‘enemy’. Under National Socialism, Roma, like Jews, were stigmatised as an ‘alien race’ and it was decided to eliminate them permanently from society. This was achieved initially through social, economic and spatial isolation. In the shadow of the Second World War, physical extermination ultimately became the priority. The victims were selected not because of their individual behaviour but solely because they belonged to the minority. Children, women and men were threatened in life and limb because they were classified as ‘Gypsies’. It did not matter whether they were poor or rich, assimilated or unassimilated, young or old, fair- or dark-skinned. Whole families were systematically registered, deported and murdered. There are differing views as to what term should be used to adequately describe this crime against humanity.
