On April 8, a ceremonial event was held in Kyiv to mark International Roma Day, organized as part of the Council of Europe’s “Opre Roma! Month” initiative. The event was a component of the Joint EU and Council of Europe Project “Support for the implementation of European standards on combating discrimination and protecting the rights of national minorities (communities) in Ukraine.”
This day is not only about the culture and history of the Roma community, but also about rights, dignity, and recognition. Even during wartime, Ukraine continues moving toward building an inclusive society where there is no place for discrimination.
Yuliya Kondur, Roma women’s leader and founder of the Roma women’s movement in Ukraine, spoke at the event, sharing the community’s path of development:
“Today, there are more than 120 Roma civil society organizations in Ukraine, a strong Roma women’s movement, youth movement, a network of Roma mediators, and ongoing dialogue with public authorities. The full-scale war has united society—Roma families opened their homes to internally displaced persons from across Ukraine. Together, we are ready to contribute to rebuilding our country.”
Yuliya Kondur
The event also addressed the challenges Roma face during the war, including lack of documentation, limited access to education, employment, housing, and systemic discrimination.
The Roma community is an inseparable part of Ukrainian society. We continue our work to ensure that the voices of Roma women and men are heard more clearly—both locally and nationally.
Glory to Ukraine! Opre Roma!
