A conference will be held this month in Brussels in recognition of the contribution made to society by the Roma community, including in the conflict in Ukraine.

It comes also with the publication of a new report “Fighting for Fairer Future” by the Roma Foundation for Europe which highlights the contribution made by Roma in the war against Russia.

It also examines the impact of the war on the community and offers policy advice for an inclusive post-war reconstruction effort.

Roma, who historically have never picked up weapons to fight in a war, have done so in Ukraine.

The actions of soldiers like 32-year-old Viktor Ilchak (pictured), who received a bravery award signed by President Volodymyr Zelensky, and the works of Roma NGOs who have been helping Roma and non-Roma internally displaced persons find shelter, is being highlighted.

Rights campaigners say this shows how Roma are “chipping away at ingrained prejudices about the minority within Ukraine.”

A spokesman for the conference said, “The war has brought Roma and non-Roma closer together, but activists and experts are cautious on how long the rapprochement might last.”

The purpose of the report, said the spokesman, is to “celebrate the contribution, highlight their concerns and ensure that the needs of Roma are not forgotten during the post-war reconstruction.”

In addition, drawing from the lessons learned from the situation of Roma in post war Kosovo – where rights campaigners say they continue to be overlooked – the report stresses that the conflict in Ukraine does not forget the contribution of its minority community “which is punching above its weight in this war against Russia.”

The event is to be held in Brussels on 10th April.

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