To be helpful even 800 kilometers away from home. To help others even when it’s difficult. To combine human rights advocacy with volunteering. All of this is about Romani activist Olena Vaydalovych, a human rights defender and lawyer from Kyiv Oblast, who is currently in Poland. She is currently working with Romani refugees. Read more about how she assists the community and where she draws her strength from in the interview below.
Please tell us about your activities before the war? Where did you work then, and where are you working now?
In 2018, I was a recipient of the UVKPL Scholarship Program for minorities. I worked with the Contact Point for Roma and Sinti Issues of the OSCE/ODIHR. Later, I joined the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine. I also have experience working with NGOs and government administration.
Currently, I work with Romani refugees, assisting civil society organizations in addressing migration issues and providing humanitarian aid.
At what moment did you decide to leave Ukraine? How did you realize that your mission now is to help others?
It was a very difficult decision for my family, as everything – our lives, our country, our roots – is in Ukraine. Psychologically, it was very challenging to take this step, leaving everything behind. But when we saw that the situation in our region was dangerous, we made this desperate decision.
I also understood that I can be helpful to our compatriots here in Poland. By helping them, I’m aiding our country’s fight for life over death, despite everything. I believe that each of us can be helpful. Each of us is a fighter now, and I am proud to be a Ukrainian of Romani origin! I am proud of our country and believe in the victory of good over evil.
Now you are helping absolutely everyone in need. What are the challenges in providing this assistance?
There are currently a significant number of Roma in Poland. Many of them lack proper documentation, which complicates the process of receiving state aid, finding employment, and obtaining housing. Additionally, some Roma don’t even possess citizenship, and we are currently working on addressing this issue to prevent these individuals from becoming stateless. We are doing everything possible to ensure they have dignified living conditions, although the situation is undoubtedly challenging for everyone.
Recently, you were invited as an expert to a regional forum on national minorities. What was the focus of your panel discussion?
My presentation focused on the situation of Roma refugees in host countries. I expressed gratitude to many countries for their generous humanitarian assistance provided to Ukrainian refugees and acknowledged the massive efforts of civil society organizations and numerous government agencies for their solidarity. However, history shows that minorities, including Roma, often remain invisible and lacking equal support.
Unfortunately, monitoring shows that Roma often face intolerance in host societies. Some families report experiencing unequal access to humanitarian aid or transportation. In some cases, claims of eviction from transit points, such as train or bus stations or shelters, have been made. Moreover, there is significant concern about the lack of adequate shelters for some Roma families. They also remain invisible to authorities, municipalities, and, in some cases, volunteers.
I urged the EU to pay attention to refugees from national minorities who are in dire straits. According to estimates from the European Commission, among the millions seeking asylum in the EU and neighboring countries, one hundred thousand are Roma, and this number is rising. Furthermore, according to organizational calculations, thirty-five thousand Roma in Ukraine, prior to the Russian invasion, were already stateless or considered at risk of statelessness. This situation gives us an understanding of just how precarious their circumstances are. Therefore, my speech aimed to address the issues facing these individuals, who are even more vulnerable.
How do people in Warsaw treat refugees of Roma origin? Are there any stereotypes?
Poland is a very generous country and provides immense support to Ukrainian refugees, for which they receive immense gratitude from the entire Ukrainian population. Many people have received assistance, and many have found employment.
However, unfortunately, not everyone has equal opportunities. For instance, while visiting reception centers for Ukrainian refugees, I noticed that the facilities for Ukrainians are well-equipped and relatively comfortable, whereas some Ukrainian refugees of Roma origin are living in worse conditions. Volunteers have mentioned that they aimed to avoid any possible tension.
Moreover, some Roma individuals told me that such treatment has offended them, and they were contemplating returning to Ukraine. It’s hard to say, but many have already returned. These incidents might seem isolated, especially considering the scale of the challenge and the unprecedented generosity of the humanitarian response.
Nevertheless, the Roma community remains the most vulnerable in countries across Europe, and the current state of war further complicates this situation. We advocate for equal access to safety and protection for all Ukrainian refugees without potential intolerance.
What motivates and inspires you to carry out all these important tasks today?
When you help, it brightens your heart a little; you feel like you’re doing a good deed for your people and your country, and that’s comforting. It’s tough being on your own during these times, but when you realize that all these people, the entire world, is supporting you, you want to do even more. It’s truly a life hack. Many people are experiencing depression due to the war in our country, but when you work for the greater good and understand that you’re contributing even in a small way to a common goal, to such an important cause, it becomes easier. For me, it’s like therapy.
Author: Yana Radchenko
