Viktor Chovka is a presenter and editor for the Roma TV program in Ukraine television channel 21 Uzhhorod. Since 2008, he has participated in various trainings, schools, seminars for Roma supported and organized by the International Renaissance Foundation, OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe), and the Council of Europe. Viktor has worked and collaborated with many Roma organizations such as Chiricli, Romani Yag, Lautari, Romane Gilja, and Romani Cherhen.

Since 2019, Viktor has been working with OSCE/ODIHR (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights) on Roma media portrayal. Additionally, he worked on the European Roma Grassroots Organization (ERGO) sponsored project, "Monitoring Anti-Gypsy Online Hate Speech." Viktor has written many articles concerning the situation of the Roma people in Europe as well as a book on Roma prejudice. He co-authored the scientific articles, “Education of Roma children in Europe” and “Slovak Roma in Ukraine.”

IVLP Impact Award Project: Ukrainians Roma Defenders

Viktor's project has worked to show and popularize the positive image of Roma as equal representatives of Ukrainian society, who are solidary and active participants in social processes in the conditions of war. The project consisted of a film along with four articles concerning the situation of the Roma people in Ukraine, in order to bring awareness to this issue. The project also contributed to the process of painting the Roma people in a different light. Read Viktor's articles and film below:

• "Come Today": How a Roma Activist from Vuhledar Helps IDPs in Mukachevo
• Every Child Was Traumatized by the War...How "Romney's Voice" Helps Displaced People Overcome the Consequences of the War 
• "I Knew What Was Happening in Chernihiv Villages": How Roma Activist Maryna Bublyk Helps Women During the War
• How do Transcarpathian Roma live in Germany? 

Short Film: Soldier Viktor Ilchak (Uzhhorod) 

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Viktor was a participant in the IVLP Project A Global Moment in Time- Reflections on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility, organized by the U.S. Department of State and Meridian International Center, in partnership with Cleveland Council on World Affairs and Global Ties San Francisco.

U.S. Communities Visited

San Francisco, CA; Washington, DC; Cleveland, OH

Country: Ukraine 

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