On October 9, Kapitolina Kondur, a representative of the Roma Women’s Fund “Chirikli,” participated in the 2024 Warsaw Human Dimension Conference, where she spoke at a side event addressing the challenges of upholding Roma human rights in Ukraine.
In her speech, Kondur emphasized that the war initiated by Russia against Ukraine continues to have a profound impact on the Roma community, which is already one of the most vulnerable groups in society. She noted that over 100,000 Roma people have been forced to flee their homes due to the war, facing numerous challenges both within the country and abroad.
Kapitolina Kondur highlighted that the Roma Integration Strategy and the Action Plan for Roma Inclusion remain essential tools for safeguarding their rights in Ukraine. She also pointed out a joint pilot initiative in Zakarpattia, implemented by “Chirikli” in cooperation with Roma mediators, the Ombudsman’s Office of Ukraine, and the State Migration Service, which helps Roma obtain the necessary personal documents.
Kondur drew attention to key issues, including difficulties Roma face in accessing documents, gender inequality, and challenges for youth. She stressed the importance of enhanced coordination between international organizations to ensure adequate support for Roma communities.
In her address, she urged conference participants, states, and international organizations, particularly the OSCE, to work together to ensure that no group, especially the Roma, is left behind during Ukraine’s recovery and integration into the European Union.
We extend our sincere thanks to the event organizers for their dedication to human rights and to all the participants who engaged in the discussion!
