Roma and Sinti populations in crisis situations: International Roma Contact Group thematic meeting with a focus on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine

The purpose of this International Roma Contact Group online meeting is to provide a forum for discussions among Roma civil society representatives and activists on the key issues and challenges currently affecting Roma refugees who are fleeing Ukraine and those who remain in the country.

The sessions will focus on identifying Roma-related issues and concerns that have arisen in the context of the current crisis landscape in Ukraine and mapping the efforts of civil society organizations and other entities to address the identified key challenges. Participants will also put forward suggestions on possible ways for OSCE participating States and structures to better respond to the immediate and long-term needs of Roma affected by the ongoing conflict.

The meeting aims to articulate a coherent message comprising their collective analysis of current challenges and a set of recommendations addressed to OSCE participating States and structures, and to other relevant inter-governmental organizations and stakeholders.

The event is part of ODIHR’s work on implementing the OSCE Action Plan on Improving the Situation of Roma and Sinti within the OSCE Area and its provisions to “seek to consolidate the International Roma Contact Group […] established in October 2000 at the initiative of the ODIHR’s Contact Point for Roma and Sinti Issues”.

The event is open only for the invited participants.