UNHCR promotes the inclusion of Roma refugees in countries of asylum
UNHCR promotes the inclusion of Roma refugees in countries of asylum
Felicia Bludoi, 23, is a Roma law student working as a community mediator and news presenter in Moldova. During the regional conference, Felicia shared her experience and insight with the audience while urging them to extend support for Roma refugees and marginalised communities.
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, in collaboration with the Moldovan Ministry of Education and Research, the Agency for Interethnic Relations, the European Union Delegation in the Republic of Moldova, and the Roma Task Force, organised a two-day conference on the Protection and Inclusion of ethnic Roma refugees & host communities in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova. The event attracted wide participation from Roma organisations from Germany, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, and the Republic of Moldova, as well as UN agencies, civil society organisations, Roma community mediators, and donors.
The conference aimed to raise awareness about the specific needs of Roma refugees displaced from Ukraine, particularly in the context of the full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022. A mapping conducted by the Roma Task Force in the Republic of Moldova in the summer of 2023 identified over 1,500 ethnic Roma refugees residing on both sides of the Dniester River in the country.
The event took place during the Roma Cultural Week in Moldova, which kicked off its activities on 8 April coinciding with International Roma Day. The dialogue aimed to enhance the inclusion of Roma refugees in countries of asylum by identifying and addressing barriers to rights and services, promoting cultural sensitivity, and exchanging information and best practices from actors in the region.
"UNHCR places safeguarding the rights of refugees and marginalised communities, at the heart of its mission,” said Francesca Bonelli, UNHCR Representative in the Republic of Moldova in her opening remarks. “This conference not only underscores our commitment to protecting the vulnerable but also signifies Europe's steadfast efforts towards more inclusion, where every voice, every culture, finds its rightful place."
The two-day dialogue featured plenary discussions on the response for Roma refugees from Ukraine in the region, as well as the situation of national ethnic Roma in Moldova and Ukraine, with a focus on education, child protection, gender equality, social cohesion, community development, accommodation, employment, and documentation. The conference will culminate in a set of recommendations based on best practices and partner experiences.
"Communities have an incredible power to propel individuals towards their dreams,” said Felicia Bludoi, a Roma mediator and a law student at the Comrat State University, Republic of Moldova. “Yet, despite my achievements, I, like countless others from my community, continue to yearn for a more inclusive society—one that celebrates diversity and empowers every individual to not only succeed but to thrive and contribute meaningfully."
This Conference is a crucial step toward addressing the specific needs of Roma refugees displaced from Ukraine and promoting their inclusion in host communities. By fostering collaboration and sharing best practices, UNHCR and its partners aim to ensure that Roma refugees receive the support and assistance they require to rebuild their lives in dignity and security.
Media contacts:
- In Geneva: Louise Donovan, [email protected]
- In Chisinau: Monica Vazquez, [email protected]
