The First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Korniienko joined the Forum of National Minorities (Communities) of Ukraine: ‘European Perspective, Dialogue, Protection of Rights’, in particular, the panel on a comprehensive approach to strengthening a cohesive society.
“In fact, over the past two years, Ukrainian society has made fantastic strides towards increasing tolerance and inclusiveness. This is evidenced by recent polls. Compared to the previous ones, the growth is very noticeable,” said Oleksandr Korniienko during the event.
The Forum also touched upon the topic of legislative initiatives to protect the rights of national minorities (communities) in our country.
“The respective draft law was voted by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine — and now the Government is actively taking the next steps to implement the provisions,” said the First Vice-Speaker, expressing hope that the next stage, namely parliamentary control, will soon take place.
He also recalled that there were many questions and suggestions related primarily to the implementation of specific rights, such as the right to education, cultural rights, and rights related to local administrations. At the same time, Oleksandr Korniienko emphasised that prior to the adoption of the Law on National Minorities (Communities) of Ukraine Ukraine had a good experience with the Law of Ukraine on Indigenous Peoples.
In conclusion, First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Korniienko stressed that the Parliament of Ukraine has a professional Committee on Human Rights, De-occupation and Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine, National Minorities and Interethnic Relations, an inter-factional association created by the former head of the Committee, the current Ombudsman of Ukraine Dmytro Lubinets, which has its own prospects, as well as a professional active delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.