Heidelberg Hosts Conference on "Roma in Ukraine – Fighters for Democracy, Human Rights and Justice"

On December 3-4, 2024, Heidelberg hosted the conference "Roma in Ukraine – Fighters for Democracy, Human Rights and Justice". The event brought together experts, activists, government representatives, and international organizations to discuss the Roma community's contributions to defending human rights, combating discrimination, and strengthening democratic values in Ukraine.

The conference aimed to shed light on the contemporary challenges faced by Roma and to identify effective strategies for ensuring equality, social justice, and inclusion. Panel discussions explored the history of Roma, their advocacy efforts, and artistic presentations that celebrated Roma culture and heritage.

Among the distinguished participants was Roza Tapanova, Director of the National Historical and Memorial Reserve Babyn Yar, who emphasized the importance of preserving the memory of the Roma people’s tragic history, particularly during the Holocaust.

"Babyn Yar's mission is to tell the stories of all communities victimized by Nazi crimes. The history of the Roma people is an integral part of this collective tragedy", Tapanova stated. "Our task is to amplify the voices of Roma victims and survivors. To this end, we are working on the exhibition ‘Invisible’, which we plan to unveil on August 2, 2025, marking International Roma Genocide Remembrance Day. This project seeks to make the Roma experience visible to Ukrainian society and the world, underscoring that memory of the past is the foundation for a just future".

The event highlighted the crucial role of the Roma community in promoting human rights and fostering societal resilience. It underscored the need for continued efforts to combat prejudice and ensure equal opportunities for all.

Organized by:

Youth Agency for the Advocacy of Roma Culture in Ukraine in cooperation with the Documentation Center of German Sinti and Roma.

The project was made possible through the support of the RAZOM/RHIZOM programme,within the framework of the "Civil Society Cooperation" initiative, organised by the Federal Foreign Office of Germany. The programme is coordinated by the Ukrainian Institute in Germany and Artsvit Gallery.

Media Partners: European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture - ERIAC