OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities visits Ukraine, discusses minority issues in Kyiv and assesses inter-ethnic relations in Kherson region

The OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, Lamberto Zannier, visited Ukraine from 11 to 14 September 2018, as a follow-up to his previous visits to Kyiv in December 2017 and the Zakarpattia region in February 2018. 

During the meetings with the Government and the Verkhovna Rada in Kyiv, Zannier discussed several legislative developments related to national minorities, including in the sphere of education, language, and diversity management. 

“There is a need for prior inclusive consultations on legislative development in order to increase ownership and to reach a broad consensus, which is important for minority issues not being politicized in the context of the upcoming elections in Ukraine,” said Zannier.

Zannier urged the authorities to ensure that the upcoming legislation related to the use of languages and possibly on national minorities is considered in parallel. Minority issues in Ukraine’s bilateral relations with its neighbours were discussed as well. “My Institution offers further assistance and co-operation in this process,” said Zannier. 

Zannier also visited Ukraine’s Kherson region to assess the situation with inter-ethnic relations. Zannier met with the representatives of regional and district authorities and other relevant stakeholders. He also met with civil society and national minority representatives, including Crimean Tatars, who described the situation in the region and on the Crimean peninsula.

“Co-operation with Ukraine’s authorities on strengthening the integration of the country’s diverse society remains high on my agenda,” said Zannier.