ID with the Special Rapporteur on minority issues

Intervention by the Delegation of Ukraine 

Mr. President,

We acknowledge that the vulnerability and marginalization of Roma community, including the problem of statelessness, requires special attention in many countries. 

The national “Strategy for the Protection and Integration of the Roma National Minority into Ukrainian Society until 2020” aims, among urgent tasks, at countering the problem of statelessness.

A draftlaw "On procedures for registration of stateless persons" is currently under consideration in the Parliament of Ukraine.

The Ministry of Interior, State Migration Service and Ministry of Justice take steps to address the problem of lack of personal and identification documents faced by Roma to ensure their access to rights and services as citizens of Ukraine. Nearly 8 thousand documents have been issued for Roma community members during the last three years, which is a growing trend. 

The Ministry of Justice provides members of national minorities with free legal aid. The Ministry of Education created a working group on Roma education and culture. Another working group - on Roma National Minority Integration into Ukrainian Society - has been created at the Ministry of Interior. 

The National Police takes action to counter impunity and ensure access to justice and protection of victims of hate crimes, taking into account the importance of addressing prejudice, harassment and violence against Roma in the society. In this regard, the Police organizes and conducts relevant joint activities with national minorities’ representatives.

Ukraine recognizes that the situation of Roma requires a complementary policy framework aimed at overcoming discrimination, promoting full inclusion of Roma. We are ready to continue cooperation with respective international institutions in this regard.

Thank you.

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