[1] Its presidents have included Stanislav Stankiewicz, Emil Ščuka, and before him, Rajko Đurić, who held this office for many years.

The current president of the IRU is Zoran Dimov, who was elected during the 10th congress which was held on 18–20 March 2016 in Skopje, Macedonia.

When the French government dissolved the CMG in 1965, a breakaway group formed the International Gypsy Committee (IGC) under the leadership of Vanko Rouda.

When the 1971 World Romani Congress adopted the self-appellation of "Roma" rather than gypsy, the IGC was renamed the Komiteto Lumniako Romano (International Rom Committee or IRC), and Rouda was re-confirmed as president.

The IRU has a memorandum of understanding with many other countries with a view to the "continuous improvement of the situation and living conditions of the Rom".