The Chirikli Foundation together with the Council of National Communities of Ukraine joined the preparation and holding of the Forum of National Minorities (Communities) of Ukraine. The forum was held on Friday, June 7, with the support of the Office of the Vice Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, the State Department of European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, the Office of the Commissioner and the Council of Europe.
The forum was dedicated to the implementation of reforms to improve Ukrainian legislation in line with European legislation in the field of ethnic policy and ensuring the rights of national minorities (communities) in times of war. The event brought together about 150 representatives of state institutions, international organizations, civil society and academia.
In her welcoming remarks, Olha Stefanishyna, Vice Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, noted that the government is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels important and valued. She also emphasized that the Ukrainian state policy envisages openness and removal of barriers to the realization of the rights of national minorities (communities).
Viktor Yelenskyy, Head of the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience (DESS), noted that the rise of the national consciousness of the Ukrainian people has become a catalyst for the growth of self-identity of other ethnic groups that have linked their fate with Ukraine.
International partners expressed their support for Ukraine on its way to the EU, emphasizing the importance of protecting minority rights and the steps already taken to protect the rights of national minorities (communities). One of the important steps was the approval of the National Action Plan for the implementation of the Roma Strategy.
The Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets presented the Special Report on the observance of the rights of national minorities (communities) and indigenous peoples in the context of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation. The document contains 75 recommendations for the state authorities to improve the situation with the rights of national minorities.
Julian Condur, Coordinator of the Chirikli Foundation, emphasized the importance of implementing the recommendations of the European Commission on the protection of the rights of national minorities in Ukraine. He noted that although Ukraine has a well-developed legislative framework on national minority rights, its practical dimension has so far had limited effect.
At the end of the event, a draft final document on the key further priorities of the state in the field of observance of the rights of national minorities (communities), in particular on the implementation of the European Commission’s recommendations, was presented. The forum participants will be able to submit their proposals to the document to develop a consolidated position based on the results of the Forum.
The forum participants, including representatives of specialized NGOs and associations of national minorities (communities), will be able to submit their proposals to the document to develop a consolidated position based on the results of the Forum to ensure the effectiveness of the state’s further movement towards protecting the rights of national minorities (communities).
