Over the past few months, Carpathian Agency of Human Rights "Vested" implemented a project to support Roma and pro-Roma civil society organizations (CSOs) in Zakarpattia with the aim of strengthening CSO capacity, integrating IDP activists, developing youth leadership, and engaging Roma youth in civic processes. Mapping and CSO Database In September-October 2025, the project team conducted a detailed mapping of 18 Roma CSOs in Zakarpattia with relocation experience. The results showed a high level of resilience and adaptability of the civil sector: at least 82 IDP activists successfully integrated into local organizations. At the same time, the study revealed that most CSOs are dependent on short-term grants and require basic institutional funding, and they are often not involved in government coordination mechanisms. More about mapping and dashboard: https://sites.google.com/kaplvested.info/zmina Youth Leader Training To develop Roma youth, two two-day seminars were held covering four modules: Human Rights and Anti-discrimination European Integration and Roma Rights Public Advocacy and Lobbying Digital Skills and Communications The events were attended by 24 young leaders at each seminar, 56% of whom were girls, and 35% were IDP representatives. Participants not only gained knowledge but also established contacts that help create a network of Roma human rights defenders.
Legal Support for CSOs During the reporting period, 16 consultations and 26 requests for legal assistance regarding the creation and registration of CSOs were provided. As a result, 5 new organizations were registered, including: NGO "Center for Public Initiatives and Development", NGO "Roma Children", and NGO "New Life". Information meetings were held with IDP councils and government bodies, Roma CSOs were included in three IDP councils, and two round tables were organized for experience exchange between local and relocated organizations. European values, non-discrimination, and the role of Roma youth in community development were discussed. Public Forum On February 23, 2026, the forum "Roma Resilience: From Relocation to a New Generation of Zakarpattia Leaders" took place, attended by 56 representatives of CSOs, government, and media. During the event, participants discussed networking opportunities, social integration, and advocacy for Roma rights.
Forum Resolution: FORUM PARTICIPANTS AGREED: With the aim of building inclusive local policies and ensuring the rights of the Roma community, WE APPEAL: To local self-government bodies and the Zakarpattia Oblast State Administration: Promote the representation of relocated and local Roma CSOs in all consultative and advisory bodies. Engage Roma youth in community governance. Institutionalize the positions of advisors on Roma national minority issues. Develop and approve official Regulations for advisors, providing them with official status, financial support (remuneration), and clear performance indicators (KPIs). Use the successful experience of Berehove and Uzhhorod City Councils for scaling up at the level of other territorial communities of Zakarpattia Oblast. To territorial units of the National Police, educational institutions, and social service providers: Jointly with human rights defenders, develop and integrate anti-discrimination training modules into professional development programs for police officers, teachers, and social workers. Make the format of live dialogue between officials, law enforcement officers, and Roma youth regular to break down stereotypes and build trust. Perceive Roma youth as proactive agents of change and partners in building a safe environment. To international donors, diplomatic missions, and development partners: Ensure basic institutional funding for local and relocated Roma CSOs. This is important for maintaining their sustainability, preventing team burnout, and preserving institutional memory. Provide financial and expert support for information campaigns by Roma youth that demonstrate Roma as human rights defenders and active creators of Ukraine's European future. Include a requirement for mandatory involvement of Roma community representatives in working groups when allocating grant funds to municipalities for development and reconstruction projects.
All activities took place within the framework of the project "Protection of Civil Society and Formation of Agents of Change to Strengthen Ukraine's European Course" in cooperation with the Human Rights Centre ZMINA with the financial support of the European Union. Its content is the sole responsibility of the Carpathian Agency of Human Rights "Vested" and does not necessarily reflect the position of the European Union. Contacts: info@kaplvested.info