An estimated 400,000 lived in Ukraine before the Russian invasion. A quarter fled the war-torn country. Many went to Poland. Władysław Kwiatkowski, president of the Roma Association in Poland, stated in an interview that “Not everyone in Poland realizes that many Roma fight in the ranks of the Ukrainian army. They defend their country. They are citizens of Ukraine, just like the rest”.

Dr. Małgorzata Kołaczek from the Foundation for Dialogue – one of the authors of the report “Human rights, and discrimination – the situation of Roma refugees from Ukraine in Poland. Report on research and intervention activities” Said:

“The Roma, like other Ukrainians, lose their life possessions, husbands and fathers at the front, and yet they are treated differently – as if their pain and suffering were less. As it happens in a situation of uncertainty and danger, the lowest human instincts are activated, which are directed towards those whom one “always” dislikes “.

• Co dzieje się z uchodźcami z Ukrainy romskiego pochodzenia? “Rozwiązania systemowe nie istnieją”. In: WP Kobieta. 26.06.2023.https://kobieta.wp.pl/co-dzieje-sie-z-uchodzcami-z-ukrainy-romskiego-pochodzenia-rozwiazania-systemowe-nie-istnieja-6912030140574368a