Events
Don't stop: a year of working in uncertain conditions
The past year has been another year of trials, endurance, and responsibility for all of us. Amidst full-scale war, constant uncertainty, and social change, the team at ARKA, the Youth Agency for the Advocacy of Romani Culture, continued to do what it considers its main task: working to strengthen the voice of the Romani community and protect its rights.
Merry Christmas!
Christmas is a holiday of kindness, warmth, and belief in miracles. It is a time when we pause to be with our loved ones, remember what is important, and think about the future. For Roma and Ukrainians, this holiday has much in common: family circle, light in the home, hope in the heart, and dreams that we want to cherish.
Romani Language Day: Language as the Root of Identity
On November 5, the world celebrates the International Day of the Romani Language — a date initiated by Romani activists to draw attention to the gradual disappearance of the Romani language in the context of globalization. The date was officially recognized by UNESCO as part of global efforts to preserve linguistic diversity.
Defenders of Ukraine Day: Honor and Gratitude
On this day, we pay tribute to all those who defend Ukraine — our land, our home, and our shared future. Today, Ukrainian defenders are protecting more than just territory. They are standing up for the right of every ethnic group to live on this land, to preserve their uniqueness and cultural identity.
Babyn Yar Remembrance Day
September 29–30, 1941 — dates forever seared into the collective memory of Ukraine. On those days, nearly 34,000 Jews were murdered by the Nazis in the Babyn Yar ravine in Kyiv. This was one of the largest mass killings of the Holocaust, carried out in just two days. But the tragedy of Babyn Yar did not end there — it continued for years, claiming the lives of tens of thousands of people of various nationalities.
Шукаємо двох фахівців: відеограф, інтерв'юер
Ми шукаємо двох фахівців для роботи над соціально-культурним проєктом — відеографа та інтерв’юера. Обидві позиції передбачають проєктну зайнятість із гнучким графіком, відрядженнями по Україні та роботою у тісній співпраці з командою АРКА.
Independence of Ukraine: Strength in Diversity
Independence Day of Ukraine is a special holiday for us. It embodies centuries of struggle and the desire to live on our own land according to our own beliefs. Independence is born where there is respect for everyone — for different languages, cultures, traditions, and ethnicities. Ukraine’s strength lies precisely in its diversity, because within it is true unity.
23 August – National Flag Day of Ukraine
National Flag Day is a celebration that unites all citizens around one of the most powerful symbols of our country. For the Roma community, this day also holds special meaning. The symbolism of the Roma flag closely resembles that of the Ukrainian flag: the blue sky and green earth mirror the blue-and-yellow banner that represents the sky and golden wheat fields.
Youth Day: the power that shapes the future
Roma youth today face double pressure. In addition to the usual hardships of wartime, they face discrimination based on their ethnic origin. Stereotypes and prejudices cause additional pain. In times like these, we must unite against external enemies, not persecute our fellow citizens.
Commemorative events were held to mark the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Roma Genocide
On August 2, 2025, commemorative events were held at the Babyn Yar National Historical and Memorial Preserve to mark the International Roma Genocide Remembrance Day. The mourning ceremony brought together the Roma community, representatives of the state, international organizations, diplomats, and cultural figures.