Verkhovna Rada Adopts a Law on National Minorities

 This information is reported by Member of Parliament Yaroslav Zheleznyak.

The changes to the law were approved by 318 deputies, with three abstentions. There were no votes against. Bringing the law on national minorities into compliance with European legislation is one of the requirements for Ukraine to begin negotiations regarding its membership in the European Union.

The bill provides for the improvement of legislative regulations concerning the rights and freedoms of national minorities, as stipulated in the provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights, the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities by the Council of Europe, and the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages.

What the bill entails:

Bill No. 9610 aims to improve legislation concerning national minorities in Ukraine. It amends the “Law on National Minorities (Communities) of Ukraine” and is intended to safeguard the rights and freedoms of national minorities, as outlined in the provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights, the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities by the Council of Europe, and the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages.

Specifically, the bill includes provisions for:

• Providing free textbooks for students belonging to national minorities.
• Allowing the use of minority languages in advertising, events, and during the provision of emergency assistance.
• Developing a methodology for the use of minority languages in populated areas. These changes represent a significant step toward ensuring the rights and freedoms of national minorities in Ukraine. They will contribute to the integration of national minorities into Ukrainian society and the strengthening of interethnic peace and harmony. “The bill aims to improve legislation concerning national minorities in Ukraine,” said the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk.

Photo: Open source