The frustration of the Roma community towards the frustration of the Roma community towards Ukrainian refugees: A social paradox or an invisible benefit?

Recently, we have encountered increasing frustration and resentment on the part of the Roma community towards Ukrainian refugees. Increasingly, Roma are putting themselves in the position of victims and claiming that government measures and money spent on helping refugees are evidence of discrimination and worsening of their living situation. However, this seemingly paradoxical situation has its positive side – not only for the refugees, but also for the Roma community itself.

The main reason for the frustration on the part of the Roma community is the fear of competition and the fear of the attention that is now focused on Ukrainian refugees. The lack of job opportunities and social security continues to cause tension and discontent among the Roma, and the presence of Ukrainian refugees only multiplies these unfavourable coexistences.

However, it is important to realise that the money earmarked to help Ukrainian refugees is not the source of the problems and that its contribution to the Roma community is real and visible. The truth is that, thanks to the increase in capacity in the social non-profit sector, the Roma can benefit to some extent from these investments.

With the influx of refugees, there is an increased need for social services and support, which has also naturally spread to structures and facilities that also help Roma citizens. Thus, the increase in capacity in the social non-profit sector represents a cost spread across a wider range of people and populations in need – including the Roma community.

It is clear that this is not a 100% solution to their situation, but the benefits are nevertheless evident: more job opportunities in the sector to help those in need, increased emphasis on education and social services that can bring quality assistance to Roma citizens in their difficult situation.

Instead of unnecessary frustration and rivalry, the Roma community should see the current situation as an opportunity – an opportunity for change, integration and mutual understanding between different communities. Awareness of the real benefits of refugee assistance for the Roma community should lead to efforts to cooperate and find common solutions that could have a lasting impact on the lives of all parties concerned.