Humanitarian Aid, Human Rights, Equality: Challenges faced by the Roma Community

The Roma community in Ukraine faces a number of challenges which have only exacerbated as a result of Russia’s war against Ukraine. Lack of access to education, difficulties with employment, problems with ID documents and health care make Roma people one of the most vulnerable groups of population. The war has only made the situation worse: over 100,000 Roma people became internally displaced persons or were forced to seek shelter abroad. In this situation, it is crucial for the voice of the Roma community to be heard and for their needs to be taken into account in the processes of humanitarian effort and reconstruction of Ukraine.

This is the central question covered by the «National Forum for Implementation of the Roma Strategy. Appreciating Diversity» which took place on the initiative of the Voice of Romni Union of Roma Women NGO. This event brought together activists, representatives of the state authorities and international organisations who discussed ways to create an inclusive society wherein Roma women would have equal possibilities to participate in the life of their communities and the country as a whole. Volodymyr Yakovenko, Executive Director of ARCA Youth Agency for Roma Culture Advocacy, took part in this Forum.

«Roma people must not be reduced to an item of someone’s political agenda. They should be shaping that agenda. Our government, our international partners, our NGOs must engage Roma leaders to all negotiations on the recovery of Ukraine. This is not merely about justice; this is, in fact, a necessity. After all, no one but the community itself knows better which issues should be resolved first and foremost. Today, Ukraine needs qualified specialists. But can Roma youth get an education if they are not accepted by schools? If Roma children have to go to work from their early years, as they have no other choice? We suggest that special programmes be set up to support Roma students, professional courses which will give these boys and girls a chance to find a job, to rebuild their country», – said Volodymyr Yakovenko in his speech.    

Photo: Volodymyr YAKOVENKO

Anzhelika Bielova, President of the Voice of Romni NGO, stressed the fact that, in the past couple of years, Roma NGOs have become substantially stronger—especially as far as reacting to humanitarian challenges is concerned. She noted that only her NGO provided assistance to over 106,000 of persons whereas many other Roma NGOs, too, have contributed significantly. She says that these best practices must be studied and taken into consideration on all levels—including internationally—so that the Romani community become part of the process in which decisions on Ukrainian recovery are taken.

«We must not abandon this experience, we must disseminate it and make the voices of the Roma community heard on all levels, including internationally, so that Roma needs be included in the plans of humanitarian reaction, Ukrainian recovery; so that the Roma community be not only heard but also engaged in the processes of decision-making»,  — said Anzhelika Bielova.

Olena Kondratiuk, Deputy Speaker of Ukrainian Parliament, reminded everyone of the fact that the Roma community has been officially recognised as a vulnerable group. That is why, she said, our country has prepared a Strategy for Roma Integration which should resolve key issues faced by the community. At the same time, it should be noted that implementation of this document requires funding which cannot be covered by Ukraine alone. That is why, international support is crucial to this cause.

Other speakers at the Forum included Michael O'Flaherty, Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe, Matthias Schmale, UN Ukraine Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Natalka Cmoc, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Canada to Ukraine, and representatives of other diplomatic missions. All of the attendees declared their commitment to support the Roma community and work on overcoming discrimination and inequality.

Photo: participants and speakers of the National Forum for Implementation of the Roma Strategy. Appreciating Diversity»

On the second day, the Forum worked within sections, as participants were working out a mechanism to create a National Coordination Platform for Efficient Implementation of the Roma Strategy locally.

And thus, the Forum became not only a platform to host discussions but also an important step towards shaping a strategy which will help the Roma community to take a dignified place in society and participate actively in our country’s recovery and reconstruction.

Photo: from the page of Voice of Romni NGO