Roma women and children fleeing Putin’s war are finding it difficult to secure homes and support in Poland, despite the warm welcome given to many other refugees.
Roma refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine are facing significant challenges in Poland, where most people escaping Putin’s invasion have been met with open arms. However, Roma women and children are struggling to find housing and support, as many face rejection and closed doors.
In Kraków, a group of Roma refugees—mostly mothers with children—find temporary refuge in a former hostel near the city’s medieval market. The building, once catering to young European travelers, now houses around 80 Romany refugees. The women gather in a small corner of the building, chatting and smoking hand-rolled cigarettes while adjusting to life in a space meant for short stays.
Despite the warm reception extended to many other refugees, the Roma community remains marginalized, with their access to housing and support severely limited. Their plight underscores the ongoing struggles faced by some of the most vulnerable groups caught in the conflict.
