During the meeting, participants discussed key challenges faced by the Roma national community amid the full-scale war and outlined practical steps to strengthen cross-sectoral cooperation in the field of human rights protection.
Systemic Violations and Monitoring Findings
In his address, Oleksandr Osipov, Representative of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, emphasized that the results of monitoring visits conducted by the Ombudsman’s Office of Ukraine confirm the existence of systemic violations of Roma rights, particularly in the social and educational sectors.
According to him, these violations are complex in nature and require not only proper documentation but also coordinated solutions and real accountability of public authorities at all levels.
The Role of the State and International Partners
International partners called on state authorities, local self-government bodies, and all institutions involved in the implementation of the Roma Strategy to contribute to its effective realization. It was emphasized that sustainable results and respect for the rights of the Roma national minority can only be achieved through joint efforts.
Particular attention was paid to challenges related to the war, recovery processes, and Ukraine’s European integration, within which issues of equality, non-discrimination, and inclusion must remain a priority.
The Position of Civil Society
Civil society representatives outlined the main difficulties they face in their day-to-day work and identified priority areas of activity in the field of protecting the rights of the Roma national community. The discussion highlighted the need for systematic monitoring of violations, stronger coordination among organizations, and expanded dialogue with state institutions.
Strategic Priorities of the Chirikli Foundation
The event also featured the presentation of the Chirikli Foundation’s Development Strategy for 2026–2030. Its key objective is to promote Roma women’s leadership, protect their rights, and advance equality within democratic reform processes, recovery, and Ukraine’s European integration.
Yulian Kondur, Project Coordinator of the Chirikli Foundation, proposed the establishment of a Coordination Group under the Unit for the Protection of the Rights of Persons Belonging to the Roma National Minority within the Office of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights.
The purpose of this group would be to unite Roma organizations around systematic monitoring of Roma rights violations, strengthen coordination of actions, and establish effective cooperation with state institutions.
The Chirikli Foundation expresses its gratitude to all participants of the multistakeholder dialogue for constructive cooperation, open communication, and recognition of the importance of consolidating efforts to protect the rights of the Roma national minority in Ukraine.
Participants of the event included:
Oleksandr Osipov,
State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience,
ERGO Network,
Ministry of Justice of Ukraine,
National Police of Ukraine,
Free Legal Aid,
ERGO.
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