Intersectional Discrimination experiences of Roma refugees from Ukraine in Hungary

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, many Ukrainians have been forced to leave their country—among them, around 100,000 Romani people. Monitoring reports show that in addition to challenges along their journey, many Roma face discrimination and a lack of acceptance as refugees. All refugees are vulnerable. Romnja (a term used for Roma women) from Ukraine face three overlapping forms of discrimination: As women, as refugees and as victims of racism ("anti-Romaism").

There is a lack of research into these intersectional discrimination experiences of Romnja refugees. To address this gap, a team from FU Berlin and Weiterdenken - Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Sachsen undertook a field research in April 2023. The one-week long trip included field research in Budapest and Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County. There, they conducted interviews with refugees and civil society organisations, and visited housing facilities at the Ukrainian-Hungarian border (around Tiszabecs). Five expert interviews and four narrative interviews were conducted with fleeing Romnja. They recounted their flight experience and current situation in Hungary.

At the event the research results will be presented. Afterwards, representatives of local and international NGOs will give an insight during a guided panel discussion. Organisations include (tbc): RomaVersitas, border-monitoring and Association of Roma women "Voice of Romni". They will deliver an update on the current situation regarding discrimination against Rom*nja from Ukraine in Hungary.

The event will be held in English.

This project is a cooperation between Weiterdenken - Heinrich Böll Foundation Saxony and Bildungswerk Berlin of the Heinrich Böll Foundation Berlin, as well as Heinrich Böll Foundation Prague, the regional office coordinating the foundation's activities in Hungary.