First self-government body of Roma appears in Ukraine

The first self-government body of Roma in Ukraine has appeared in the town of Svaliava (Zakarpattia region).

It aims to improve relations between Roma, local authorities and the residents of the town. According to the human rights defenders and activists, the self-government body will accelerate the integration of the Roma national minority.

“This unprecedented case will become a new milestone in the history of the Roma people as it makes transition from common law to civil law relations,” Natalia Kozyr, the project coordinator of the Charitable Foundation “Development”, said.

The defenders of the rights of Roma people noted that self-organization of the communities was a common European practice, which had virtually no alternative.

“If we speak about Roma – they were born here, they live here. It is their territory, where they have the right to develop their community. Establishment of a self-government body is the historic event, which will promote the development of the Roma community in our town… It is a fact which has been born here. I am ready to fully support and assist Roma in their development,” Mayor of Svaliava Ivan Lane said.

The Roma will establish cooperation with partners and try to improve the life of the community within their own self-government body.