George Soros Honoured for Championing Roma, Sinti Rights

Alexander Soros accepts the European Civil Rights Prize of the Sinti and Roma on behalf of his father, George.

Billionaire philanthropist George Soros has been awarded the European Civil Rights Prize of the Sinti and Roma for his decades of work supporting Roma rights.

Through sustained philanthropic efforts, Soros, who founded the Open Society Foundations (OSF), has backed projects across Europe advancing the rights, dignity, and empowerment of Roma—Europe’s largest ethnic minority.

His son Alexander, chair of the OSF board of directors, accepted the prize on his father’s behalf in Berlin on October 23. The award was established in memory of Holocaust survivors and Roma civil rights pioneers Oskar and Vinzenz Rose.

Alexander said, “My father’s partnership with Roma communities has always been grounded in a deep belief in justice, dignity, and self-determination. This prize is a powerful recognition of that shared journey—and a call to continue the fight against prejudice and exclusion.”

Soros’s philanthropy has supported Roma-led organisations confronting discrimination, expanding access to education and justice, improving early childhood development and healthcare, and amplifying Roma voices in public life.

Among his most significant initiatives are the creation of the European Roma Rights Centre, the Roma Education Fund (REF), and the Decade of Roma Inclusion. Collectively, these efforts have helped more than 150,000 Roma students attend school, challenged segregation before the European Court of Human Rights, and strengthened Roma participation in public discourse.

The 2024 launch of the Roma Foundation for Europe (RFE)—an independent, Roma-led institution established with a €100 million pledge from the OSF—marked another milestone in support for Roma communities across the continent.

After the prize ceremony, several Roma leaders highlighted the transformative impact of Soros’s work.

Ciprian Necula, Executive President of the REF, said, “Over the past two decades, REF has supported thousands of young Roma across 16 countries to complete higher education and build successful careers. Our greatest achievement has been creating genuine pathways to education and employment, proving that talent exists in every community when access and opportunity are fair.”

He added, “The work of George Soros has been vital to Roma communities. No other individual or institution has supported Roma people with such consistency and vision. His contribution went beyond financial support; he helped us build institutions, nurture leadership, and develop long-term strategies.”

Zeljko Jovanovic, President of the RFE, said, “Without the Open Society Foundations, the Roma movement as we know it simply wouldn’t exist. George Soros put Roma issues on Europe’s agenda and helped build the first networks of activists, researchers, and policymakers working together for change.”

He added, “The Roma Foundation for Europe represents the most important step in building a Roma-led institution on a European scale in decades. It focuses on leadership, education, economic participation, culture, and political voice. Many Roma see the Foundation as long overdue—a space where Roma lead, set the agenda, and work with others as equals.”

Soros has announced that he will donate the €15,000 endowment accompanying the award to the Roma Education Fund. Necula said the money will be used to expand the Fund’s digital education programme, giving Roma children and youth access to technology, digital skills, and new learning opportunities.

In his remarks after receiving the honour, Soros reflected on his lifelong connection with Roma communities and the discrimination they continue to face.

“The Roma have endured centuries of marginalisation and violence—from the Holocaust to forced sterilisation, child removals, and evictions. These injustices persist, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic and more recently when Roma fleeing the war in Ukraine faced barriers to shelter and aid,” he said.

“I’ve always believed that open societies must protect the rights of all people—especially those who are excluded. Working alongside Roma leaders has been one of the most meaningful parts of my life’s work,” he added.

Alexander Soros pledged to continue his father’s legacy of fighting for Roma rights and equality.

“As a child, I accompanied my parents on visits across Europe to meet Roma leaders and families. Those experiences shaped my own commitment to human rights. Today, as chair of the Open Society Foundations, I am proud to continue this vital work. The discrimination that Roma face is a threat to all of Europe. None of us is free until we are all free,” he said.