In its work, the Roma Women’s Foundation “Chirikli” consistently promotes gender equality, the protection of women’s rights, the empowerment of Roma communities, the protection of the rights of Roma children, and the fulfillment of Ukraine’s European integration commitments in the field of human rights.
In this context, the Foundation expresses its position regarding Draft Law No. 14394, which, in our view, requires substantial revision and public reconsideration, particularly in provisions affecting women’s rights, children’s rights, and family law relations.
Key concerns regarding the draft law
Based on our assessment, Draft Law No. 14394 contains several provisions that may have negative implications for human rights, including:
— potential narrowing of women’s rights in family and marital relations and possible regression from already achieved legal protection standards;
— weakening of safeguards for girls and minors;
— questionable compliance of certain provisions with Ukraine’s European integration commitments and international standards, including the CEDAW Convention;
— the absence of broad, public, and inclusive consultation on such a large-scale and socially sensitive legislative initiative.
The need for inclusive revision
We consider it essential to involve human rights defenders, civil society representatives, members of the judiciary, and independent experts in the process of revising the draft Civil Code of Ukraine.
We call for the postponement of the consideration of Draft Law No. 14394 to ensure open, professional, and inclusive public discussion.
The Chirikli Foundation stands ready to contribute to the revision process of the draft Civil Code of Ukraine and to provide expert recommendations.
We address Ruslan Stefanchuk and the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine with a call to ensure transparency and inclusiveness in the further consideration of this draft law.
#Chirikli #WomensRights #ChildRights #GenderEquality #CivilCode #HumanRights