PHOTO REPORT: Events commemorating the victims of the Roma genocide in Babyn Yar

“Kali Traš.” That is how roma refer to one of the most tragic chapters of their history during World War II. In the Romani language, these words mean “black fear.”

Today, August 2, is the International Remembrance Day of the Victims of the Roma Genocide. A day that has become one of shared memory. A day that for more than 80 years has been commemorated annually, preserving the remembrance of all those who perished.

Ukraine, together with the entire civilized world, honors the memory of the victims of the Nazi genocide of the roma. On this day 80 years ago, the Hitler regime committed a horrific crime against humanity — nearly three thousand innocent men, women, and children were burned alive in the gas chambers of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp. Their only “crime” was their Roma identity.

Today, at the state level in Kyiv, an official ceremony of remembrance was held on the territory of the National Historical and Memorial Preserve “Babyn Yar.”

The commemorative events were organized by the National Historical and Memorial Preserve “Babyn Yar” and the Youth Agency for the Advocacy of Roma Culture “ARCA,” with the support of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Affairs and Freedom of Conscience, the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance, and the Ukrainian Center for Holocaust Studies.

During the mourning ceremony near the “Roma Wagon” memorial, attendees included representatives of Ukrainian state institutions, diplomatic missions, international organizations, and the Roma community. The Academic Romani Music and Drama Theater “Romance” prepared a special artistic program dedicated to these historic events.

Honoring the victims of the roma genocide is an integral part of our national memory policy and a reflection of the core values of European culture.

Photo report from the scene by Eva Rayska.