From 22 to 25 June 2026, our colleague Veronika took part in conducting research interviews with Romani women who had been unlawfully sterilized in the past. The interviews were carried out in collaboration with historian Katarína Čapková from the Faculty of Arts, Charles University in Prague.

The interviews were conducted as part of the INHIST – Inclusive History of East-Central Europe from the Mid-19th Century to the Present project, led by Katarína Čapková and funded by the European Research Council (ERC). The project explores modern European history through the experiences of marginalized groups, specifically Roma and Sinti, Jews, and people with disabilities. It is being carried out at the Faculty of Arts, Charles University in Prague. We are pleased that the project has also created a space for women whose experiences were overlooked for many years, allowing their voices to be heard and their stories to be documented. Their experiences are an important part of our shared history.

The unlawful sterilization of Romani women represents a grave violation of human dignity, bodily integrity, and fundamental human rights. Documenting these stories is an essential part of preserving historical memory, acknowledging past injustices, and helping to ensure that such human rights violations are never repeated.

We would like to thank Katarína for her commitment to documenting this practice and for her sensitive and respectful approach to the women who chose to share their experiences. We also thank Veronika for her support in conducting the interviews and for helping to preserve and protect these important testimonies. Finally, we extend our sincere gratitude to the women who courageously agreed to share their stories.