Peculiarities of the inclusion of the Roma ethnic minority into the socio-political life of Ukrainian society (using the example of Zakarpattia Oblast)
Report prepared by:
About publication
This publication is a dissertation research for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science, which comprehensively analyzes the peculiarities, challenges, and mechanisms of the inclusion of the Roma minority into the socio-political life of Ukraine, using the example of Zakarpattia Oblast as a multi-ethnic region. The work substantiates the expediency of using the Western concept of "inclusion" instead of the term "integration", investigates the historical-demographic characteristics and socio-cultural specifics of Roma communities, and highlights the problems of systemic discrimination and Romaphobia in society. The author thoroughly describes the activities of Roma national-cultural societies (in educational, artistic, and media spheres), analyzes the effectiveness of state and regional ethnopolicy implementation, examines the experience of electoral participation and political representation of Roma leaders at the local level, and for the first time explores the peculiarities of Roma civic self-organization in the conditions of the current martial law (in particular, military service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, volunteering, and assistance to internally displaced persons).
Who will benefit?
- Local self-government bodies
- Activists
- Journalists
- Academics
Key findings:
The study demonstrates the high potential for self-organization and patriotism among Roma in the conditions of full-scale war (service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, volunteering, shelter for IDPs), which breaks outdated stereotypes. For practical implementation of the conclusions, the author proposes specific tools: consolidation of Roma leaders into an effective political force, involvement of community representatives in the formation of local budgets, and the introduction of the institution of a Government Commissioner for Roma Communities, following the example of Slovakia. Particular attention in the work is paid to the activities of pro-Roma human rights and charitable organizations that provide systemic financial, legal, and humanitarian support to the Roma movement in Zakarpattia during the transitional period.