The international conference Excluded in Exile: Supporting Romani Refugees in Times of Crisis took place at Vila Lanna in Prague on October 16, 2024, focusing on the experiences of those who have been working directly with Ukrainian Roma refugees in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion. Bringing together social workers, NGO activists, volunteers, and scholars, the event provided a crucial platform for reflecting on the challenges and successes of supporting Ukrainian Romani refugees who on their flight to safety commonly faced discrimination or were accused of misusing the humanitarian relief.
The conference’s main organisers were ROCIT team members, Martin Fotta (Institute of Ethnology, Czech Academy of Sciences) and Markéta Hajská (Faculty of Arts, Charles University); other team members were among the speakers. The conference aimed to discuss the disparities in the treatment of Romani refugees compared to other Ukrainian refugees. Topics included racial segregation, discrimination, and access to services. Practitioners from across Europe and from Czechia, shared their own experiences over the past two years, shedding light on the motivations driving their work, the obstacles they faced, and the lessons they have learned.
The event featured two main sections: the first offered insights into international responses to from Hungary, Germany, Poland and Moldova, while the second focused specifically on Czech experiences. Speakers discussed the challenges of working within systems that often overlooked the needs of Romani refugees, highlighting the perseverance required to build effective alliances or address misconceptions and discrimination. Many shared stories of their efforts to create safe spaces, build trust, and provide access to essential services for Romani families arriving in their countries. They discussed the changes that have occurred over the past two years. These changes include the rise of inadequate and often spatially segregated collective shelters that have become the primary locations for accommodating Romani refugees. Additionally, speakers addressed the impact of recent legislative changes affecting the status of Ukrainian refugees in all European countries. Others concentrated on the early months of 2022, which clearly left traumatic memories and a negative impression on many involved. Czech speakers, in particular, argued that the self-congratulatory tone of many politicians regarding the country’s response and generosity towards Ukrainian refugees was unfounded, particularly in light of the racist mistreatment of Romani refugees.
The first and last contribution was by Ukrainian Roma—Yanush Panchenko and Kristina Kulchar – both of them involved in the ROCIT project. They offered valuable insights as both researchers and as individuals who fled Ukraine and who experienced treatment in various European countries, including Czechia.
Programme of the conference:
9.00 – 9.15 Welcome Remarks & Opening of the Conference
- Martin Fotta (Institute of Ethnology, Czech Academy of Sciences), and Markéta Hajská (Faculty of Arts, Charles University).
- Jiří Woitsch (Director of the Institute of Ethnology, Czech Academy of Sciences)
9.15 – 10.15 European Experiences (I)
- Yanush Panchenko (Institute of Ethnology, CAS & Zaporizhzhia National University): Migration Patterns of Ukrainian Roma During the Russian Invasion of Ukraine in 2022
- Elżbieta Mirga-Wójtowicz & Kamila Fiałkowska (Centre of Migration Research Warsaw University): Providing Assistance and Support to Roma Refugees from Ukraine in Poland – Current Situation and Challenges
10.30 – 12.00 European Experiences (II)
- Lilla Eredics (Center for Social Sciences, Institute for Sociology, Hungary, Budapest): Responses to the Situation of Roma Refugees Fleeing from Ukraine to Hungary
- Marin Alla (Voice of the Roma Coalition): The Situation of Roma Refugees from Ukraine on the Territory of the Republic of Moldova
- Yücel Meheroglu (Melde- und Informationsstelle Antiziganismus): Antigypsyism in Germany: The Situation of Ukrainian Roma Refugees
13.30 – 15.00 Czech Experiences (I)
- Veronika Dvorská (Iniciativa Hlavák): Reflections on Aid to Romani Refugees from Ukraine at Prague Central Station
- Jan Husák (Romodrom): Support of Ukrainian Roma: From Central Station in Prague to Mukachevo
- Petr Ščuka (Identity Prague): A Double Standard for Two Different Groups of Ukrainians
15.15 – 15.45 Czech Experiences (II)
- Dana Ema Hrušková (Faculty of Arts, Charles University) & Kristina Kulchar (expert by experience): Different Treatment of the Roma in the Process of Their Registration in Spring 2022 in Prague
15.45 – 16.30
- Final Discussion, moderated by Jan Ort (Institute of Ethnology, Czech Academy of Sciences)
