Political leaders and frail holocaust survivors attend the opening of a memorial dedicated to the half a million ethnic Sinti and Roma killed by the Nazis.<br/> <br />The dark pool of still water - located near to the German parliament building in Berlin - is intended to evoke tears for the dead but also reflection - urging new generations to protect minorities from hate.<br/> <br />The Nazis sent Sinti and Roma to forced labour camps in the 30s and subjected them to forced sterilisation, and sent them to death camps during World War Two.<br/> <br />Nowadays many of Europe's 12 million Roma face discrimination and social exclusion, often living in dire poverty.<br/> <br />German Chancellor Angela Merkel was in attendance and gave a speech, stressing that it was a German and European "duty" to support the Sinti and Roma.<br/> <br />Critics though have pointed out that Germany still refuses to grant asylum to Roma from countries such as Serbia and Macedonia where they face discrimination.
