Regarding the conflict in Ukraine as well as the events in Ukraine and abroad during the refugee wave in other countries, and the well-known fact of discrimination and segregation of Roma in Ukraine and those who do not have equal treatment at border crossings and accommodation in third countries , IRU and its President Zoran Dimov sent a letter of reaction to the European institutions, including the European Commission on March 2, 2022.
Recently, a letter arrived at the office of the President of the IRU from Mr. Martin Taschner Head of Unit at the Directorate for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid ECHO.
The letter from Mr. Taschner reads, inter alia:
„Dear Mr. Dimov, the European Commission remains very concerned about the dire humanitarian situation in Ukraine and the impact of the Russian invasion on the civilian population.
The European Commission continues to stress that the violations of International Humanitarian Law are unacceptable and indiscriminate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructures must stop immediately. We share your concerns regarding the possible impact of the current war on minority groups, including the Roma community.
The European Commission remains committed to support all conflict-affected population present in Ukraine, as well as those forced to flee the country, without any distinction. As you know, on 28 February, the Directorate General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations has allocated EUR 90 million to support the conflictaffected population of Ukraine and Moldova1 . This funding is part of a larger emergency package amounting to EUR 500 million, announced by President of the Commission on 1 March2 .
The EU humanitarian aid will allow the EU humanitarian partners to provide food, water, health, shelter and help cover the basic needs. Our support will also reach Internally Displaced People and support cities overwhelmed by the population movement.
The present funding will be channelled through the humanitarian partners present in the country, including United Nations, INGOs or Red Cross. Our funding respects the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, independence and impartiality.
Consequently, it will be provided without discrimination to all those in 1 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_1462 2 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/speech_22_1483 2 need.
EU humanitarian partners pay particular attention to the needs of vulnerable groups, including minorities, and try to make sure that emergency support reaches all those in need.„ It is said in the letter sent by Mr. Martin Taschner to the President of the IRU Zoran Dimov.
