The story of a Roma woman and mother of eight children who survived the Russian occupation in the Kherson region

The testimony of a Romani woman and mother of eight children survivor of  the Russian occupation in the Kherson region was documented in autumn 2025 by expert of ADC Memorial-Brussels in Odesa. Second interview and audio-record was taken in the Odesa Region later by our colleagues from the Winds of Change Charitable Foundation.

The testimony reflects the tragedy of a family affected by the crimes of the Russian army and testifies the violations of children’s rights, as well as the vulnerability of the discriminated  groups, particularly the Roma population. Phabai (whose name has been changed) is the mother of eight children.

©︎ Illustrations by Naum Sint Nicolaas

Music and sound – Ostap Kukhar

Special thanks to the Winds of Change Charitable Foundation (Ukraine) for helping with the interview of Phabai.

The publication is created in the framework of the project “Documenting and analysing international crimes committed by the Russia’s armed forces after 24.02.2022, helping victims of these crimes and informing on crimes” implemented by Kharkiv Human Rights Protection Group, Center for Civil Liberties and ADC Memorial Brussels, funded by the European Union.

Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the contracting authority can be held responsible for them.