“Action Plan for the Protection of the Rights of National Communities – from First Steps to Real Change”
was held in Kyiv, bringing together representatives of the Government, parliament, civil society organizations and international partners.
The Roma Women’s Fund “Chirikli” took part in the event, representing the position of Roma communities in the process of implementing state policy on national minorities.
Key areas and the importance of Chirikli’s participation
The event focused on the implementation of the Action Plan on the Protection of the Rights of Persons Belonging to National Minorities (Communities) of Ukraine until 2027.
The plan was approved in May this year and includes several important directions directly related to the Roma community, in particular the
establishment of the institution of Roma advisors and the development of a
codification of the Romani language.
The event brought together more than 120 participants, including:
Vice Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Taras Kachka,
First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Korniyenko,
Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets,
Head of the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) Viktor Yelenskyi,
Director General of the Government Office for the Coordination of European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Oleksandr Ilkov,
as well as representatives of the European Union, the Council of Europe, and civil society organizations of national minorities in Ukraine.
Main messages and priorities
The main objective of the event was to strengthen inter-agency coordination and agree on further steps in implementing state policy on national minorities and indigenous peoples.
Particular attention was paid to regional cooperation, monitoring, institutional capacity, and the practical implementation of decisions.
In their interventions, government officials emphasized the importance of a systemic approach:
Taras Kachka stressed that multinationalism is an inherent part of Ukrainian society, and the Action Plan is an instrument
for consolidating a modern and sustainable policy in the field of minority rights in the context of EU accession.
Oleksandr Korniyenko underlined the need to move from drafting legislation to its real implementation,
so that representatives of national minorities can feel positive changes in their daily lives.
Dmytro Lubinets noted that implementation of the Action Plan is a European obligation of Ukraine, not a mere formality.
Practical steps and next actions
During the event, participants discussed key elements of implementing reforms at the local level.
In particular, they considered the introduction of Roma advisors at the local level — an important step to strengthen the institutional capacity of communities.
The work of a working group on the codification of the Romani language has also started, laying the foundation for its systematic development and preservation.
A draft Strategy for the Preservation and Development of Languages at Risk of Extinction
and proposals for updating the Law of Ukraine “On National Minorities (Communities) of Ukraine” were presented to bring the legal framework in line with European standards.
During the panel discussion, representatives of frontline regions emphasized the importance of updating state policy at the local level and supporting national cultural societies
that continue their work even in communities located close to the front line.
The participants stressed that the development of the rights of national minorities is not only a requirement of European integration,
but also a fundamental element in building the Ukrainian political nation based on respect, democracy, and diversity.
The event was organized by the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience
in cooperation with the Office of the Vice Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration
and the Government Office for the Coordination of European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, with the support of the Council of Europe Office in Ukraine.