Roma in Ukraine don’t have passports due to lack of awareness and funds, and distrust of the authorities
The roundtable “Identification Documents for Roma in Ukraine: problems and solutions” was held in Kyiv on September 20-21 with the support of the Human Rights and Governance Program of the Open Society Institute (Budapest) and the Roma of Ukraine Program of the International Renaissance Foundation.
285 Roma obtained passports, 1313 sought consultations and 20,000 members of Roma communities in 6 regions were reached within the framework of the project.
Experts identified the following problems as to why Roma do not have identification documents:
1. Legal unawareness of the need to apply for identification documents within the period stipulated by law.
2. Inability to obtain professional assistance on how to apply for new or lost identification documents.
3. Constant moving around due to the lack of documents.
4. Lack of money to pay for identification documents.
5. Distrust of the police and authorities in general.
6. Reluctance to apply for a passport because living without a passport and deliberately damaging a passport are punishable under Ukrainian law.
Experts reached the following conclusions:
• The current Ukrainian system of residency registration complicates the life of citizens, makes enforcement of human rights difficult and creates conditions for discrimination. Although the law on social protection for the homeless and street children guarantees the right to register one’s place of residence or stay at special registration centers, such centers have been opened in only a few cities (Odesa and Mykolayiv). Administrative liability for lack of registration does not promote respect for human rights.
• The provision of government services based on place of residence negatively affects the quality and effectiveness of such services. A person that does not have a passport cannot apply for social services. Without registration and money for a passport, a person is left outside the law until he or she commits an offense and comes into contact with law enforcement.
Roma of Ukraine Program
Natalia Kyyak
(+38 044) 461 95 00
kyyak@irf.kiev.ua
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Roma of Ukraine Program Goal is to promote the initiatives aimed at raising the level of education of Roma youth, elaboration and monitoring of the efficient state policy regarding Roma minority, improvement of access to healthcare services and promotion of Roma rights protection efforts.
