The event was organized in Poltava by the UN Refugee Agency and the NGO CrimeaSOS.

«If we act with isolated initiatives, they will remain unnoticed. We need a synergy of priorities and efforts to achieve sustainable, positive results.»

This was stated by the President of «Voice of Romni», Anzhelika Bielova, during her online address at the forum “Overcoming Barriers: Empowering Roma, Cultural Development, and Equal Access to Services in the Context of Displacement,” held on December 10 in Poltava.

At the forum, urgent challenges and solutions to the problems faced by the Roma community during the war were analyzed. It also served as a platform to discuss the Regional Action Plan for 2024-2025 in the Poltava region, which is part of the Roma Strategy until 2030. This is not just about documents — it is about the lives of people who need dignified living conditions, access to services, and real support.

To effectively implement the Roma Strategy, Voice of Romni proposes the creation of a national coordination platform with regional groups on the ground. Anzhelika Bielova emphasized:

«We need effective plans and solutions adapted to regional needs. In addition to high-quality plans that address the realities and needs of wartime, it is essential to unite the efforts of Roma organizations, government bodies, and international partners,» emphasized Anzhelika Bielova.

We will discuss this idea in more detail in January at a large-scale national event initiated by «Voice of Romni». We will share the announcement and the link to the online broadcast, as well as provide updates on the outcomes.

Our team once again highlights the importance of collective efforts, a shared vision, and a systematic approach in the work of the civic sector, local self-government bodies, state institutions, and international organizations. We believe that together we can overcome barriers and create new opportunities for the Roma community in Ukraine.