Babyn Yar National Historical and Memorial Preserve Creates a Space for Remembrance and Equality

Next year, the Babyn Yar National Historical and Memorial Preserve will unveil a new exhibition dedicated to the history, resilience, and contributions of the Roma community in Ukraine. Entitled Invisible, this exhibition highlights both the longstanding silencing of Roma history and the community’s ongoing struggle for recognition and equality in contemporary society. This project, which is being developed in collaboration with the Youth Agency for the Advocacy of Roma Culture ARCA, was confirmed during the International Conference on the Recovery of Ukraine and the prospects of Ukrainian Roma Civil Society, held in October 2024.

Babyn Yar, a place of living memory, commemorates every individual story that forms part of its legacy. Central to this mission is the recognition of the Ukrainian Roma community, which endured immense suffering under Nazi persecution. Honouring the memory of Roma victims as an integral part of Ukrainian history is a core objective of Babyn Yar’s work. In addition to the upcoming exhibition, the Preserve is also establishing a permanent display at the Babyn Yar Museum to shed light on the tragic fate of the Roma people during the Second World War.

Roza Tapanova, the Director of the Preserve,  emphasises that Babyn Yar’s mission extends beyond commemorating the past. It is a platform for dialogue and understanding. “We strive to be a space where the voices of all communities are heard, a place where understanding and unity are fostered. The history of the Ukrainian Roma community remains invisible to many, but we are committed to changing that,” — Tapanova stated.

Roza Tapanova, Babyn Yar National Historical and Memorial Preserve Director and Natalia Tomenko, Deputy Director of the ARCA Youth Agency for Romani Cultural Advocacy.

The Babyn Yar National Historical and Memorial Preserve is open to partnerships with Roma organisations and invites them to engage in dialogue and collaboration. Together, we can work to break down stereotypes, restore historical justice, and preserve these memories for future generations.