Refika Mustafic

[Petar]

Dear friends,

With deep sadness I would like to inform you that one of the most important Roma rights activists; Refika Mustafic, passed away today (10.04.2012).  She was a strong advocate for equality and progress of Roma children, particularly in activities geared towards improving their education.  She was the founder of Roma NGO “Roma Education Center”, the coordinator of the educational program at the European Roma Rights Center (ERRC) and a member of the board of the Minority Rights Center.   She led the ERRC group to the World Conference against Racism in Durban, South Africa, August-September 2001. She was one of the most prominent advocates of the Decade of Roma Inclusion.

She graduated university with a degree in Serbian language and Yugoslav literature. She was a poet and author of many publications on Roma culture.

Lastly, she was a wonderful person and my good friend.

Some people may spend only a short time in this world, but their works are so durable that they will be memorised for generations.

Rest in peace,

Refika we will never forget you!

Petar Antic

[e-mail]

 

Belgrade, Serbia

[Stoimen]

Refika Mustafic joined this site on 29 February 2012! An extraordinary day for a woman who must have been an extraordinary person. When I asked her about GRUBB, the young musicians from Serbia, she told me that she worked with them. With clear pride she stated: "My people".

Only 1,5 month Refika stayed with us, before she passed away. We will never get an answer on the question why good and precious people are sometimes given so few time to improve this hard world.

May her soul rest in peace and may we get inspired by her true commitment!

Els

[Omar Bhatia]

It's seems that this is more than a loss. Onwards we must go and try to build upon the legacy that Refika left behind. 

OZB