On August 14, a round table discussion on intersectoral cooperation in providing free legal aid, psychological support, and social services for Roma, including IDPs and veterans, was held at the Uzhhorod District Council.
The event brought together representatives of local self-government and state authorities, law enforcement agencies, the free legal aid system, educational institutions, civil society and charitable organizations, as well as representatives of the Roma community. The goal of the meeting was to discuss existing barriers to Roma accessing legal, psychological, and social assistance, identify ways to overcome them, and strengthen coordination among institutions and organizations working with Roma communities.
Participants discussed practical difficulties that members of the Roma community may face when receiving legal services, as well as the importance of accessible information about rights and options for obtaining assistance. The need for effective interaction between legal institutions, law enforcement, government bodies, and public organizations was addressed separately. The second part of the discussion was dedicated to psychological support and social assistance. Participants examined the needs of Roma communities, the accessibility of relevant services, and the role of civil society and charitable organizations in providing comprehensive support. It was emphasized that effective assistance must take into account specific individual needs and include mechanisms for referral between different types of services.
A dedicated session was focused on intersectoral cooperation and the division of roles among various actors. During the discussion, participants defined who should act and at what stage, how to ensure prompt communication and referral of individuals to necessary services, and which cooperation mechanisms require further improvement.
An important part of the round table was the development of recommendations for proposals on the Action Plan for the implementation of the Strategy for Promoting the Realization of the Rights and Opportunities of Persons Belonging to the Roma National Minority in Ukrainian Society in Uzhhorod District.
Participants identified key areas of future work necessary to improve service accessibility, strengthen institutional capacity, and build an effective system of cooperation at the local level.
The round table served as an important platform for open dialogue between government representatives, experts, and the civil society sector, contributing to a shared vision for ensuring the rights of the Roma community and access to necessary assistance.
The proposals and recommendations developed during the meeting can serve as a foundation for the further improvement of local Roma support mechanisms and the implementation of relevant measures in Uzhhorod District.
About the implementer
Carpathian Agency of Human Rights "Vested" is a human rights organization from Transcarpathia working at the intersection of human rights, social mobilization, and access to justice. The organization has extensive experience working with vulnerable groups, particularly Roma communities and IDPs, actively implementing inclusive formats of assistance and education.
About the fund
The UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women (UN Trust Fund) is the only global grant-making mechanism solely dedicated to addressing all forms of violence against women and girls at local, national, and regional levels. To date, the Fund has supported 609 organizations in 140 countries and territories.
This publication was prepared with the financial support of the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women. However, the views expressed and content presented do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.