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
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Bulletin «Lessons of the Holocaust», № 2 (86), 2026
Dear colleagues! The fresh issue of information-pedagogical bulletin of UCHS «Lessons of the Holocaust», № 2 (86), Aprile-June, 2026 has been published.
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Public Project “Research Space”
The National Historical and Memorial Reserve Babyn Yar has launched the public project Research Space, where archival documents, books, and films serve as tools for exploring family history and collective memory of the Babyn Yar tragedy.
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New Publication of the Ukrainian Center for Holocaust Studies
Ukrainian Society and Holocaust Memory: Challenges in Times of War. Papers of the 19th Round Table for the International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Kyiv, January 27, 2026 / compiled by A. Podolskyi. Kyiv: Ukrainian Center for Holocaust Studies, 2026. 96 pp.
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History of the Genocides in Ukraine: Learning from Experience and Challenges of Modernity Seminars in Odesa and Kyiv
In early July, the Ukrainian Center for Holocaust Studies held two two‑day academic and methodological seminars for teachers in Odesa and Kyiv under the title History of the Genocides in Ukraine: Learning from Experience and Challenges of Modernity.
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Learning from the Past - Acting for the Future. Training on Holocaust History and Human Rights. Seminar in Lithuania
The Olga Lengyel Institute (TOLI), together with the International Commission in Lithuania and the Jewish Community of Lithuania, held a five‑day seminar in Vilnius: “Learning from the Past – Acting for the Future.” The program brought together educators from across Lithuania, Ukraine, and Poland to deepen their understanding of the Holocaust, antisemitism, human rights, and effective teaching practices.
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