Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities

Comments of the Government of Ukraine on the Opinion of the Advisory Committee on the Report on the implementation of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities in Ukraine

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To Art.3
i.16

According to the census of 1989 there are 130 nationalities living in Ukraine. As the Law of Ukraine “On National Minorities in Ukraine” states all of these ethnic communities, except of Ukrainians, belongs to national minorities.

Domestic scientists on history, ethnology and linguistics have proved that autochthonous Eastern Slavic population of the Transcarpathian region - Ruthenians are an ethnic component of the Ukrainian nation. So, there are no historical, political, legal and other reasons to consider them as a separate nationality off the Ukrainians.

i.17
It is true that the effective legislation of Ukraine concerning national minorities, including the Law of Ukraine “On National Minorities in Ukraine”, is only dealing with the citizens of Ukraine. Meanwhile, it should note that issues concerning adaptation and integration of other categories including formerly deported persons into the Ukrainian society is a subject of regulation with relevant governmental programs.

i.19
As for today, although the term “indigenous peoples” is referred in Art.11 of the Constitution of Ukraine, but a clear definition of this conception has not been available in Ukraine. None of the national communities has not got the status of “an indigenous people”. The best Ukrainian experts, scientists and practical researchers have being worked to define the mentioned term.

i.21
According to Art.3 of the Framework Convention every person who is belonging to a national minority have the free will to decide if to consider himself/herself as so. The existing legislation of Ukraine sufficiently ensures preservation of minorities’ identity and cultural originality. Thus, any attempt to thrust this or that identity, including Romanian or Moldavian one, has not taken and cannot take place in the Ukrainian society.

To Art. 4, 5

i.29
In order to establish state guaranties for repatriates the State Committee of Ukraine for Nationalities and Migration together with relevant ministries and institutions have being developed the draft law of Ukraine “On Restoration of Rights of Persons Formerly Deported on the Basis of Ethnic Origin”.

This year three governmental programs have been approved to solve problems concerning adaptation and integration of the deported Crimean Tartars and other nationalities into the Ukrainian society; renewal and development of their culture and education, promotion of social development of the Crimean Tartar youth, settlement and accommodation of repatriates, as well as the Government of Ukraine approved the Decree on involving the Crimean Tartar youth to the civil service.

ii. 30, 36
Relative isolation of the Roma community off the rest of the society has resulted in some prejudice in respect of persons of Romany origin. Nevertheless, some displays of this prejudice can only take place in everyday life. The State has being made conditions for inter-cultural dialogue between Roms and other national communities, has being cultivated a tolerant attitude to the Romany people.

The First Congress of Roma communities in Ukraine was held in Kyiv on 7-8 June 2002. It demonstrated the cohesion of the Ukrainian Roms around the national idea, as well as certified positive developments in ensuring the rights of Roma, their social protection.

In course of time in the most of regions the Romany minority has being established closer and business links with authorities, particularly with departments for nationalities and migration of the regional, city, district administrations, societies of other national groups, international organisations and foundations.

To Art.9

i.43
In areas of the compact residence of national minorities newspapers are published in languages of relevant ethnic communities, TV programs and broadcasting are in languages of these minorities. Appendices to the parliament newspaper are papers for 6 national minorities. In regions where minorities live beyond the areas of their compact residence this issue is in the field of warning of the executive authorities and self-administrative bodies.