Developed recommendations.

The participants of the National Forum, held on January 30-31, 2025, in Kyiv, acknowledging the interim progress in the implementation of the Roma Strategy1 and the Action Plan for its implementation for 2024-20252, adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine; emphasizing the current challenges, including, among others, the misalignment of the Strategy with other state programs and policies, the neglect of the heterogeneity of Roma communities, the lack of funding, and the absence of a unified monitoring and coordination mechanism among key stakeholders—government authorities, civil society organizations, and international partners; highlighting the significant contribution of Roma to national defense and the unique potential of Roma communities, as the youngest ethnic group, for the country’s economic future; With the aim of enhancing the effectiveness of the Roma Strategy’s implementation and ensuring its alignment with the challenges of the wartime period and the prospects for Ukraine’s post-war recovery, the Forum participants recommend:

To government bodies at the national and local levels:

1. Facilitating the operation of the National Coordination Platform and the network of regional hubs to ensure effective interaction among all stakeholders in implementing the objectives of the Roma Strategy, as well as the national and regional action plans for its realization.

The Coordination Platform and regional hubs should:

  • ensure equal representation of central or local government authorities (depending on the level), local self-government bodies, international organizations, and civil society organizations, including both Roma-led organizations and those working in the interests of Roma communities;
  • strengthen coordination with the structures of the Interagency Working Group (IWG) at the national level and the existing Coordination Councils (CC) at the regional level;
  • introduce a rotational chairing mechanism, ensuring equal opportunities for all members, including representatives of government bodies, local self-government, and civil society organizations;
  • be provided with sufficient resources to conduct effective monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the Strategy and/or action plans, as well as to develop and submit recommendations based on the findings.

2. Developing a transparent monitoring and reporting system for the implementation of the Strategy and/or action plans at the national and local levels, in accordance with defined and approved indicators.

3. Aligning the Roma Strategy and its action plans at the national and local levels with state concepts, strategies, and programs for Ukraine’s recovery and development to ensure inclusive standards and equal access of Roma communities to relevant resources and opportunities.

4. Implementing a decentralized approach in the planning and execution of measures under the Strategy to ensure their relevance to the specific conditions and needs of Roma communities, recognizing their heterogeneity.

5. Prioritizing and allocating resources for the restoration and improvement of access to employment programs, educational programs, and housing and living conditions for Roma communities, specifically through:

  • developing reskilling and vocational training programs for the Roma population;
  • implementing new and/or expanding existing subsidy programs for employers who hire Roma workers;
  • expanding educational opportunities, including scholarship programs, evening education for adults, and vocational training.
  • implementing anti-bullying programs in general educational institutions;
  • connecting Roma settlements to basic utilities and supporting affordable housing programs.

6. Supporting the systematic implementation of a gender-sensitive approach in all measures under the Strategy.

To the Donor Community:

1.  Supporting the operation of the National Coordination Platform and regional hubs, ensuring the participation of Roma civil society organizations.

2. Providing core funding for Roma civil society organizations and supporting their capacity building in sectoral expertise, particularly in the areas of public policy and budgeting, education, healthcare, social entrepreneurship, analytics, and advocacy.

3. Supporting long-term funding for Roma integration programs, particularly those focused on education, employment, and improving housing and living conditions, as well as programs aimed at strengthening social cohesion in communities with a significant Roma presence.

4. Ensuring gender mainstreaming in grant and technical assistance programs through:

supporting initiatives to combat discrimination and gender-based violence.
including Roma women in decision-making processes;

developing support programs for women’s entrepreneurship in Roma communities;

5. Enhancing support for local initiatives aimed at the recovery and reintegration of Roma communities in the post-war period.

To Non-Governmental Organizations:

1. Expanding advocacy efforts to protect the rights of Roma communities.

2. Strengthening cooperation with government bodies, international partners, and other stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the Strategy.

3. Encouraging Roma women’s leadership and participation in decision-making, as well as creating and supporting women’s initiatives within communities.

4. Organizing awareness campaigns to inform Roma communities about employment, education, and social protection opportunities and to empower them.

The Forum participants emphasize the importance of a comprehensive, decentralized, and gender-sensitive approach and the consolidation of efforts among government, international, and civil society structures for the effective implementation of the Roma Strategy and the achievement of sustainable solutions for the social integration of Roma communities in Ukraine.

Signatures of the Participants:

Roma and pro-Roma NGOs:

Romani Zbora

Winds of Change

NGO Romano-Drom

Zakarpattia Regional Romani Cultural and Educational Society Roma

VRZO BAKHTALI ROMNI

NGO Voice of Romni

Roma Association “ZOR”

Partners and Others:

Mercy Corps

HIAS

OXFAM

ARCA

Zhytomyr Regional Military Administration

Khmelnytskyi Regional Military Administration

Lviv Regional Military Administration

Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration

Sumy Regional Military Administration

Vinnytsia Regional Military Administration

Kyiv Regional Military Administration

ActionAid

Projector Foundation

UNHCR Representation in Ukraine

Charity Fund “New Generation”

NEEKA International Charity Fund

“Carpathian Region” Charity Fund

Ukrainian Women’s Congress

“Zakarpattia Regional Charity Fund “Blago””

  1. The Strategy for Promoting the Rights and Opportunities of Persons Belonging to the Roma National Minority in Ukrainian Society for the Period until 2030 (Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Order No. 866-r dated July 28, 2021). ↩︎
  2. Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Order No. 1197-r dated December 22, 2023. ↩︎