The key representatives of the Roma and (pro)Roma civil society, policy-makers and various stakeholders are gathering to establish a coalition that strengthens equality, inclusion and participation for Ukrainian Roma in the European context. The Forum contributes to making both European and national policies more inclusive and responsive to the current needs of Ukrainian Roma.

The situation in which the Ukrainian society found itself at the beginning of a war created additional dangers for Roma communities. The full-scale invasion of Ukrainian territories by the Russian Federation since 24 February increased manifestations of discrimination, the influence of Russian propaganda and the manipulation of information. 

We want to use the opportunity presented by the continued support of European civil society and states to tackle antigypsyism and exclusion of Roma in Ukraine and show Roma as active citizens defending the sovereignty of the Ukrainian state shoulder-by-shoulder with other Ukrainians. While thousands of Roma fight in the Ukrainian army, others organize humanitarian support and lobby for the interests of a diverse Ukrainian society in the European political arena.

We raise awareness that the actions taken by minorities such as Roma will be recognised by Ukrainian politics and society. This means that Roma and other minorities are seen as an integral part of Ukrainian society and granted the broadest possible minority rights.

This forum will discuss priorities of Roma communities in Ukraine in the process of reconstruction with a specific focus on youth participation and inclusion. We create a space for young Roma experts to make their voices heard and engage with policy-makers to share our experiences first-hand and present commitments on the way forward.