In the framework of EU Roma Week, ERGO Network is delighted to invite you to a roundtable discussion on the situation of Ukrainian Roma refugees. The roundtable is part of ERGO Network’s efforts to raise awareness about the challenges faced by Ukrainian Roma refugees and to explore possible solutions to these issues.
The situation of Ukrainian Roma refugees is a matter of great concern, as they often face antigypsyism, discrimination, social exclusion, and limited access to basic services such as healthcare, education, social protection and housing. This roundtable discussion will bring together experts, and representatives from various institutions and organisations to exchange knowledge and experiences, discuss practices, and identify opportunities for collaboration.
Special attention will be given to the participation of Permanent Representatives of EU Member States in the round table for ensuring effective collaboration and informed decision-making towards addressing the challenges and needs of this vulnerable population.
During this roundtable, we will explore topics such as the legal and political framework for the protection of Roma refugees from Ukraine, the challenges of their access to basic services such as healthcare, education, social protection and housing and the role of civil society in supporting Roma refugees into host communities and the potential participation of Roma in the Recovery Plan for Ukraine.
Specific objectives of the Roundtable:
The objective of this round table is to discuss the challenges and issues faced by Ukrainian Roma refugees regarding temporary protection, access to basic rights such as education, healthcare, housing, social protection and other essential services and advocacy. The discussion will be led by three kick-off speakers who will share their perspectives and insights on the topic, followed by an open forum for all attendees to share their opinions and experiences.
Draft Agenda for Round Table on Ukrainian Roma Refugees
14:30 – 14:45 Welcome and Introductions
Brief introduction of the round table topic and objectives
- Gabriela Hrabaňová, Director, ERGO Network
Opening speech
- Katarína Mathernová, Deputy Director, Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR)
- Introduction of the topics and their relevance
14:45 – 15:20 Temporary Protection and access to the basic human rights
- Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME) (tbc)
- Kick-off speaker (European Roma Rights Centre) (tbc) – 3 minutes
- Elzbieta Mirga-Wojtowicz(Foundation Jaw Dikh, Poland) – 3 minutes
- Tefik Mahmut (UNICEF) – 3 minutes
Conversation with the participants with the limited intervention of up to 3 minutes
- Overview of temporary protection policies for refugees in Ukraine.
- Challenges faced by Ukrainian Roma refugees in obtaining temporary protection.
- Recommendations for improving temporary protection for Ukrainian Roma refugees.
- Challenges faced by Ukrainian Roma refugees in accessing basic rights such as education, healthcare, and other essential services.
- Recommendations for improving access to basic rights for Ukrainian Roma refugees.
15:20 – 15:50 How to improve the situation for Ukrainian Roma Refugees and Roma in Ukraine
- Martin Muehleck, Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR) – 5 minutes
- Stephan Muller (Central Council for German Sinti and Roma) – 5 minutes
Conversation with the participants with the limited intervention of up to 3 minutes
- Current advocacy efforts and initiatives for Ukrainian Roma in Ukraine- Reconstruction Plan/Marshall Plan for Ukraine.
- Suggestions for improving the situation.
- Next steps in advocating for a better situation for Ukrainian Roma refugees and Roma in Ukraine
15:50 – 16:00 Concluding Remarks
- Peter Pollak, Member of the European Parliament
- Irena Moozova – Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers (DG JUST) (tbc)
- Cristi Mihalache, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (tbc)
- Summary of the key points raised during the round table discussion.
Next steps and recommendations for addressing the challenges faced by Ukrainian Roma.
Closing remarks from the organizers