The International Day of the Roma People was established at the World Congress of Roma, convened on April 8, 1971, in London (UK). During this historic event, the flag and anthem of the Roma people were also formally adopted.
This significant holiday is dedicated to preserving and nurturing the Roma identity. Traditionally, on this day, Roma communities around the world light candles in the streets to symbolize unity and place wreaths on rivers, symbolizing the challenges faced by a people without their sovereign state.
In Ukraine, the Roma community holds legal recognition as a national minority. Consequently, they are afforded the protections and rights outlined in the Ukrainian law “On National Minorities (Communities) of Ukraine.” This legislation ensures equal political, social, economic, and cultural rights and freedoms for Roma citizens of Ukraine. It also supports the development of their national identity, self-expression, and the fulfillment of their public, including environmental, interests.
For years, the Institute of Ecological and Religious Studies and the Interreligious and Civil Environmental Forum of Eastern Europe, in collaboration with the Ecological Commission of the Mukachevo Greek Catholic Eparchy, have been actively engaged with children from the Roma national minority. We conduct weekly eco-educational sessions, involve them in various environmental initiatives within the city and the Transcarpathian region, publish educational materials in the Roma language, and distribute them free of charge to the community. Through these efforts, our team strives to uphold the legal rights of the Roma national minority to receive quality education and upbringing.
Every child deserves the opportunity to develop in harmony with nature. We take pride in our partnership with the Roma community and firmly believe in the transformative power of knowledge, which not only enriches our shared cultural heritage but also lays the groundwork for fostering an environmentally conscious civil society in Ukraine.
May this day serve as a reminder of our collective responsibility to support every child in their journey to explore the world, protect the environment, and contribute to the creation of a more sustainable and cohesive society!
Sincerely,
