On 27-28 May 2024 the Council of Europe supported consultation meetings between institutions and the Roma national minority in Ukraine. During the two days, the representatives of the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Affairs and Freedom of Conscience (DESS), the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs visited two regions, namely Chernihiv and Cherkasy.

Representatives had a meeting with Zhanna Shestyuk, Deputy head of the Chernihiv Regional State Administration, and discussed the current needs of the Roma community in Ukraine and the stage of the implementation of the Action plan for the Roma strategy for the period 2024-2025. At the same time, they visited the Chernihiv School No35 named after Klapan, which most of the Roma community children attend.

In Pryluky, the delegation was accompanied by Bohdan Andreychenko, the Head of the non-governmental organisation “Zor”. Mr Andreychenko provided information on the main educational, humanitarian, and economic situation of the local community. A visit to the local Roma settlement was also ensured. A meeting was also held with representatives of the Pryluky City Council and a visit to the Pryluky Comprehensive School of grades I-III No. 10.

In Cherkasy region, a working meeting with the Deputy Head of the Cherkasy Regional State/Military Administration Oleksandr Shamray took place. The delegation also had a chance to meet with representatives of the Smila City Council and have an in-dept visit to the Roma settlement. Participants met with the Zolotonosha city council, and to the Zolotonosha secondary school of grades I-III No. 5. The on-site visit was concluded covering the Roma settlement and the social center of the Zolotonosha community of Roma "Ame Roma", led by Volodymyr Bambula.

The outcomes of the consultations aim to ensure checking the effective implementation of the Action Plan for the Roma Strategy for the period 2024-2025 in the regions, ensuring the rights of Roma to education, including in their language, documentation, etc.

The on-site visit was supported by the joint European Union and Council of Europe project "Supporting the Implementation of European Standards on Combating Discrimination and the Rights of National Minorities in Ukraine" in close partnership with the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Affairs and Freedom of Conscience (DESS), the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.