Scharotl / Radgenossenschaft der Landstrasse (1975-ff.)

Scharotl / Radgenossenschaft der Landstrasse

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The Radgenossenschaft der Landstrasse is the umbrella organisation for the Yenish and Sinti in Switzerland. It was founded in 1975 as a self-help organisation and quickly developed into a centre of expertise for these national minorities. It also supports the interests of the Roma and Yenish throughout Europe. The Radgenossenschaft is an NGO recognised and subsidised by the Swiss Confederation. Since 2023, it has also been a member of the Federal Union of European Nationalities (FUEN), the most important umbrella organisation for national minorities in Europe.

Scharotl is the Radgenossenschaft's publishing organ and has been appearing four times a year since 1975. It provides information about the activities of the Radgenossenschaft, about locations and events. It contains reports on the culture of the Yenish and the development of their self-image and identity. The issues are rounded off with stories, fairy tales and poems by Yenish authors, as well as reprints of articles from other media.

Scharotl has printed a large number of letters concerning the Pro Juventute foundation's «Hilfswerk für die Kinder der Landstrasse». The correspondence with authorities, Pro Juventute and private individuals testifies to the Radgenossenschaft's efforts to obtain reparation and compensation for the victims of systematic child abductions between 1926 and 1973. These documents trace the journey of the Yenish and Sinti in Switzerland towards recognition as a national minority (2016) and as victims of «Crimes against humanity» (2025).

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