France, April 12 -- Young Roma in France have launched a campaign calling on the state to officially recognise the genocide of Roma and Sinti people during World War II. At the centre of their message are wartime letters written by their ancestors from internment camps - unanswered pleas for help sent to the French authorities.

Between 250,000 and 500,000 Roma were killed by Nazi Germany and its collaborators during the Holocaust. Victims were subjected to internment, forced labour, sterilisation, deportation and mass execution.

The exact number is unknown, as many families never reported their losses and records of the killings were destroyed by those who carried them out.

The campaign is being led by the Zor Collective, which brings ...