By Dr. Olga Donets
On February 23, 2026, the forum “Roma Resilience: From Relocation to a New Generation of Leaders in Zakarpattia” took place, with the NGO Grassroots Institute contributing to its organization.
The event brought together representatives of state authorities and local self-government bodies, human rights organizations, educational institutions, international partners, leaders of Roma communities, and youth activists. The forum became an important platform for cross-sector dialogue, addressing the challenges of relocation, issues of integration, human rights protection, and the formation of a new generation of regional leaders.
The event opened with welcoming remarks from the leadership of Uzhhorod National University, representatives of the Zakarpattia Regional Military Administration, the Office of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, and civil society organizations. From the very beginning, it was clear that the focus was not merely on discussing problems, but on identifying practical mechanisms for change.
During the first panel, participants discussed intersectoral dialogue and advocacy, ways to strengthen the representation of Roma communities at regional and local levels, and how to ensure that the voices of communities are heard in interactions with public authorities and law enforcement agencies. Particular emphasis was placed on a systematic approach to human rights protection and on monitoring mechanisms for the rights of national minorities.
The second panel focused on the experience of relocation of Roma organizations and their adaptation to new conditions in Zakarpattia. Speakers shared practical examples of resilience, integration challenges, partnership-building efforts, and mechanisms of cooperation with local communities. This part of the discussion demonstrated the importance of supporting networks of civil society organizations and fostering interregional solidarity.
Special attention was also given to the results of the project “A New Generation of Change Agents for Ukraine’s European Future”, implemented by the Carpathian Human Rights Agency “Vested” in cooperation with the Human Rights Center ZMINA. The presented outcomes provided a foundation for further discussions on leadership development and youth engagement.
Panel 3, titled “A New Generation of Leaders: Building a Youth Wing of Activists and Their Role in Ukraine’s European Integration”, addressed the involvement of young people in civic activity and European integration processes. The Head of the NGO Grassroots Institute, Olha Donets, joined the discussion as an expert. The conversation focused on the role of youth as drivers of transformation in communities, the importance of legal education and civic awareness, the development of critical thinking, and the inclusion of Roma youth in European integration processes. It was emphasized that a new generation of leaders requires not only motivation, but also systematic support, access to education, partnerships, and platforms for implementing initiatives.
For our organization, participation in this forum represents a continuation of our work in the fields of human rights, inclusion, environmental and civic education. We are convinced that community resilience is built through dialogue, partnership, and support for emerging leaders.
We thank the organizers and partners for their trust and for the joint efforts aimed at creating a safe and inclusive space for the development of communities in Zakarpattia.
We continue working together 💚
