Council of Europe Commissioner Launches ‘The Unheard 12 Million’ Publication, an Urgent Wake-Up Call to Act for Roma and Traveller Rights
The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, launches on October 1st, 2025, the book The Unheard 12 Million, accompanied by a photo exhibition curated by the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture (ERIAC). With The Unheard 12 Million, ERIAC and the Council of Europe join forces to demand decisive action from European decision makers and society at large. By curating the exhibition, ERIAC reaffirms its mission to amplify the creativity, resilience, and voices of Roma and Traveller people, positioning their cultural and human rights struggles at the heart of Europe’s agenda.
The book, published by the Council of Europe, tells the compelling stories of Roma and Travellers – especially women and girls – who fight not only for their own rights but for those of their communities. Their courage and leadership demonstrate resilience in the face of systemic exclusion, discrimination, and hatred. [Download the book HERE.]
The photo exhibition, set to tour key European cities, showcases award-winning photojournalistic work that captures the dignity, hardship, and determination of Roma and Traveller communities.
While addressing Europe as a whole, the book specifically features experiences from Finland, Greece, Ireland, North Macedonia, and Slovakia.
“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,” Commissioner O’Flaherty affirmed. “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”, he added.
Download the book “The Unheard 12 Million”
Download the book HERE.
