OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities expressed satisfaction with outcomes of visit to Ukraine

OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Kairat Abdrakhmanov visited Ukraine from 26 September to 1 October 2021.

The High Commissioner welcomed Ukraine’s progress on draft legislation regulating national minority affairs during his visit to the country. “I am pleased to note that consultations with minority communities on the draft law on national minorities have recently taken place, and I have offered the technical support of my office to intensify them,” Abdrakhmanov said. “In my meetings with both State officials and civil society representatives, I stressed the importance of developing a comprehensive legal framework regulating national minority rights, including in the spheres of language and education, that is responsive to the wishes and expectations of all minority communities.”

In Kyiv, the High Commissioner met heads and representatives of State authorities, including the Culture and Information Policy Ministry, the Internal Affairs Ministry and the Verhovna Rada. He also met with representatives of civil society, minority communities and international organizations. He thanked the Ukrainian side for the opportunities provided for a fruitful visit and reiterated his support for measures to improve the integration of Ukraine’s diverse society.

The High Commissioner also visited the ethnically diverse region of Zakarpattia to acquaint himself with the situation on the ground.

During his meetings in the cities of Uzhhorod and Berehove, Abdrakhmanov discussed issues related to national minorities with representatives of regional authorities and local communities. The implementation of education reforms featured prominently in these interactions. He welcomed progress in bilateral dialogue between Ukraine and Hungary on such issues. “I am glad to see that both parties are working to find much needed common ground and tangible solutions to outstanding challenges,” said the High Commissioner.