First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Korniienko joined the discussion on the action plan for the protection of the rights of national communities in Ukraine, which took place at the Hennadii Udovenko Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The event was attended by representatives of state bodies and local administrations, international partners and diplomatic missions, representatives of national communities and indigenous peoples, as well as non-governmental organisations working with national minorities.
The mechanisms for the practical implementation of state policy on national minorities and indigenous peoples were discussed in detail, in particular the issues of interaction at the local level and ensuring their rights and freedoms. Particular attention was paid to ensuring the rights of persons from national communities to learn and use their native language, to visualise their cultures in the public space, and to protect the rights of the Roma national minority and indigenous peoples. Separate emphasis was placed on supporting international technical assistance for the effective implementation of the action plan to protect the rights of national communities in our country.
During his speech, the First Deputy Speaker noted the achievements in legislative protection of the rights of national communities, in particular the adoption of a new version of the Law of Ukraine «On National Minorities (Communities) of Ukraine», which complies with European standards, as well as a separate Law of Ukraine «On Indigenous Peoples of Ukraine». He expressed his gratitude to the Council of Europe and the European Union for their expert assistance, advice and support in creating new legislation that guarantees the rights of national communities and complies with European standards.
Emphasising Ukraine's multinational character and the importance of preserving the unity of all peoples in times of war, the First Deputy Speaker noted: «Our country has always been multinational and a place where numerous peoples have peacefully lived together. This unity is especially important now, because there are no national contradictions in the trenches in the east — everyone is defending our state.»
According to Oleksandr Korniienko, it is necessary to continue improving legislation and ensuring its active implementation at the level of the Government and local authorities.
In this context, he announced the strengthening of the capacity of the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Affairs and Freedom of Conscience, and also noted the need to create regional platforms for direct dialogue between regional administrations and national communities. According to the First Deputy Speaker, the Verkhovna Rada is ready to support all initiatives and coordinate issues related to the protection of the rights of national communities at the highest level, involving relevant committees and other authorities.