International Romani Day
April 8 is International Romani Day. This day is intended to draw attention to the culture, history, and issues of the Romani people, highlighting the contribution of the Romani community worldwide. This date serves as a symbol of respect for the multifaceted identity of the Roma while also reminding us of the challenges they continue to face today.
In Ukraine, the Roma people have always been and remain an integral part of our shared history and present. In difficult times, we stand together in solidarity, demonstrating resilience, strength of spirit, and unity in the fight for freedom, dignity, and a better future.
How did this day originate?
On April 8, 1971, the First World Romani Congress was held in London. It marked the first official adoption of the Romani flag and anthem, as well as the establishment of key directions for the global movement advocating for Roma rights. International Romani Day is not only a day of remembrance but also a call to combat prejudice, uphold human rights, and embrace diversity as a shared value.
The Ukrainian Center for Holocaust Studies researches the history, culture, and genocide of the Roma in Ukraine during the Nazi occupation and World War II. Educational and research materials in Ukrainian are available on our official website:
● Roma: Myths and Facts – Teachers' manual on combating Romaphobia
● The Nazi Genocide of Roma in Ukraine (1941–1944) – Educational materials
● Genocide of Roma in Ukraine during WWII – Conference materials (Kyiv, October 2016)
● Persecution and Murder of Roma in Ukraine during WWII – Collection of documents and memoirs
By learning more about each other, we strengthen unity.
Announcements
MoreLatest News
-
Righteous Among the Nations. The Ukrainian Dimension
14 May – Day of Remembrance for Ukrainians Who Saved Jews During World War II
On 14 May, we honour the heroism and humanity of Ukrainians who risked their lives to save Jewish families from Nazi persecution -
80th Anniversary of Victory over Nazism: What Role Does the Memory of World War II Play in Ukraine
On 6 May 2025, a public discussion 80th Anniversary of the Victory over Nazism: What Role Does the Memory of the Second World War Play in Modern Ukraine? took place at the press centre of the Ukraine Crisis Media Center. The event was organised by the Ukrainian Institute of National Memory.
[More] -
Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism
On May 8, we commemorate the Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism and the end of World War II in Europe. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the war's end and the 12th year of russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.
[More] -
International scientific and methodological seminar “History of genocides in Ukraine: study of experience and contemporary challenges”
Starting in 2022, the UCHS, in cooperation and with funding from the Shoah Memorial (Paris), has been conducting scientific seminars for educators in Ukraine on topics related to the history and memory of genocides on the territory of Ukraine in the global context. The speakers at the seminar are Ukrainian and French scholars. The working languages of the event are Ukrainian and French with simultaneous translation.
[More] -
Online course: “Methodology of Teaching about the History of the Holocaust in Secondary School”. Authors of the Educational Modules
The UCHS continues to work on the creation of an online course Methodology of Teaching about the History of the Holocaust in Secondary School. The authors of this course are well-known Ukrainian history teachers, history teaching methodologists, and scholars.
[More]