Between two epochs : Gypsy/Roma movement in the Soviet Union and in the post-Soviet space

Abstract

The article is devoted to the Gypsy/Roma movement in Post-Soviet space from its formation in the times of USSR until nowadays. The Gypsy movement in USSR and its development in individual countries after collapse of Soviet Union is analysed within the political context of respective historical periods. The analysis starts with the activity of All-Russian Union of the Gypsies, its goals and objectives, and continues with reviewing the organization Romano Kher, to the contemporary Federal National and Cultural Autonomy of Russian Gypsies in Russian Federation and Association of Roma in the Baltic States and Commonwealth of Independent States ‘Amaro Drom’. The role of the International Roma Movement from the establishing of the International Romani Union to the European Roma and Travellers Forum is scrutinised as well, with special stress on participation in it of Roma from the Post-Soviet space. Further is reflected on the impact of major programs of the Council of Europe and European Commission, of main donor programs and of Human Rights Movement on the development and changes in Roma NGO sector. In conclusion, the Gypsy/Roma movement in the Post-Soviet space is placed in context of Roma policies and Roma movement in Europe, and on this basis hypothesis for variants of its future development are made.