Roma people living in Ukraine are fighting on the front lines and in high numbers, many as volunteers, to defend the country against Russian aggression. This is the finding of a new report,  Fighting for a Fairer Future: The Impact of the War in Ukraine on Roma and Lessons for Post-War Reconstruction Efforts by the Roma Foundation for Europe, presented at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. Based on a qualitative study conducted between December 2022 and April 2023, the report sheds light on the contributions, challenges and aspirations of the Roma community in the context of the current violence.

“The report highlights the role played by the Roma community in Ukraine’s defence efforts and seeks to ensure their contributions are acknowledged in post-war reconstruction. The reconstruction of Ukraine provides an opportunity to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all citizens” said Zeljko Jovanovic, President of the Roma Foundation for Europe.

Council of Europe Deputy Secretary General Bjørn Berge added “It is clear that Ukrainian Roma civil society organisations are providing much-needed humanitarian aid to people in the parts of Ukraine most affected by war. I can only encourage them to continue doing what they can in these extremely difficult and dangerous circumstances, and to be ready to play their part in the post-conflict reconstruction of their country”.

 Speech by Bjørn Berge, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe