The concerns of Roma communities have generally taken a backseat in Ukraine, particularly because of the economic, social, and geopolitical issues affecting the wider population. As refugees from the war, Roma communities now face overt discrimination at Ukraine’s borders and at refugee reception points, and segregation from other refugees. Communities receiving refugees have been unwilling to house them, and Roma people have had poorer access to basic services. Whereas other Ukrainians have been welcomed, Roma refugees face structural violence at home as well as in refugee hosting countries where negative stereotyping of and prejudicial beliefs about Roma communities are rife even today. Building on compassion for Roma refugees

Oxfam and partners’ previous and ongoing research shows that while EU Member States continue to stand in solidarity with Ukrainians forcibly displaced from war, many groups of people are being left behind. These include not only Roma communities, but also non-Ukrainian refugees and stateless persons. But as Nadia’s and Valentyna’s experiences show, there has also been kindness, support and compassion. This World Refugee Day we want to highlight such solidarity among host communities in refugee receiving countries and civil society actors across the globe. So, in the coming months our reports and campaigning will not only challenge entrenched racist and xenophobic attitudes towards Roma refugees and other displaced people, but also share stories of compassion and solidarity.

Photos: Lottie Stevenson/Oxfam