Today, the International Conference ‘Incorporating Gender Aspects into National Roma Strategies and Action Plans’ has commenced in Kyiv. The event is organized jointly by the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine and the Council of Europe, in collaboration with the informal platform of Roma women ‘Phenjalipe.’ The conference involves representatives from the governments of more than 10 Council of Europe member states.
Over the course of two days, practical ways of integrating gender aspects into national strategies for Roma integration will be discussed. Various strategies will be examined, and some of the most effective models will be identified. Practical assistance will also be provided to interested participants and Council of Europe member countries that intend to review their existing Roma strategies from a gender perspective.
“Discussing the incorporation of gender aspects into national Roma strategies and action plans is particularly crucial for our country today due to the events occurring in the South and East, which have exacerbated both national and gender-related issues simultaneously. These issues concern no less than 200,000 individuals of Roma nationality. This is the minimum estimated number of the Roma population in Ukraine,” emphasized Natalia Fedorovych, Deputy Minister of Social Policy, during the conference’s opening.
She noted that over half of the Roma population in Ukraine is comprised of women. Presently, Roma women are among the least protected groups and are subject to various forms of discrimination. Firstly, this pertains to their treatment in the context of their ethnic identity. Secondly, Roma women suffer from gender discrimination within their own ethnic group.
“Research conducted this year indicates that Roma women in Ukraine face significant challenges across all aspects of their social lives and even at the community level. Therefore, the task of the state is not merely to provide for the needs of Roma in obtaining proper and quality services from various institutions and authorities but to create conditions for a positive, non-discriminatory, and respectful attitude toward them as a national minority,” stressed Natalia Fedorovych.
She also mentioned that, unfortunately, many longstanding problems that have remained unresolved have been further intensified by the current situation. However, during this challenging time when our country is prepared to tackle the most difficult tasks, Ukraine has the opportunity to drastically improve the lives of the Roma community.
The Deputy Minister also informed that Ukraine has taken international legal obligations in the field of Roma integration into Ukrainian society, including being a participant in several international agreements and conventions. Additionally, the protection of minority rights, the implementation of the principle of equality in rights, and non-discrimination in Ukraine are guaranteed by the Constitution of Ukraine. In 2012, the Verkhovna Rada adopted the Law of Ukraine ‘On Principles of Prevention and Counteraction to Discrimination in Ukraine.’
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved an action plan for the implementation of the Strategy for the Protection and Integration of the Roma National Minority into Ukrainian Society for the period up to 2020. This plan encompasses various essential directions and creates conditions for improving the socio-economic status of Ukrainian Roma. This includes social protection, employment, education, healthcare, improvement of living conditions, as well as addressing cultural and informational needs.
“It is essential that, despite the challenging political situation in the country, the implementation of the Action Plan has not been halted. Moreover, the Cabinet of Ministers issued an order regarding the development of regional action plans. This demonstrates that Ukraine will not cease to fulfill its commitments regarding the improvement of the situation of the Roma community,” emphasized Natalia Fedorovych.
She also discussed the close cooperation between state structures and Roma civil society organizations in implementing the ‘ROMED 2’ program (supported by the Council of Europe and the European Commission) and the program of Roma social-medical mediators. Currently, there are 55 Roma social-medical mediators working in 12 regions of Ukraine.
Furthermore, this year marked the first time in the history of Ukraine’s reporting to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women that consultations were held with Roma women and information reflecting the real situation of Roma women in Ukraine was included in the report.
“While our achievements are currently modest, we plan to continue collaborating with Roma organizations and Roma mediators as part of the Roma Strategy’s implementation, to enhance coordination between relevant ministries, and to integrate European experience in addressing Roma issues. Ukraine has a chance to make radical positive changes during these challenging times,” concluded Natalia Fedorovych, Deputy Minister of Social Policy of Ukraine.
