OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities assesses inter-ethnic relations in Zakarpattia and Lviv, western Ukraine

THE HAGUE, 7 July 2015 – OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Astrid Thors assessed the situation of national minorities and internally displaced people (IDPs) in western Ukraine during a visit to Uzhhorod, Mukacheve, Berehove and Lviv from 29 June to 3 July.

This was the first time that a High Commissioner visited the multi‑ethnic region of Zakarpattia. Among others, she met regional and local authorities as well as representatives of the Hungarian, Russian, Romanian, Polish and Rusyn communities. Thors was pleased to encounter generally good inter-ethnic relations in the region, with minority communities voicing strong support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

While she noted that it is not easy to carry out comprehensive reforms during a profound security and economic crisis, she reminded the authorities that the reforms should respect European standards regarding the protection and promotion of minority cultures and languages, and the participation of minorities in public life. Minority communities informed the High Commissioner about the expected impact of decentralization, as well as changes to administrative‑territorial boundaries, elections and education policy, on their communities.

“I urge the Ukrainian government to significantly strengthen the institutional framework for minority policy and to ensure adequate consultation with minority communities in the course of the reforms,” Thors said.

She noted with regret the recent abrupt decision to abolish the position of the Government Plenipotentiary on Inter‑ethnic Relations without any alternative mechanism being created.

Thors also had an opportunity to meet some of the IDPs who have been accommodated in western Ukraine from the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and from Donbas. She was informed about how the region is coping with the influx of IDPs and the strain that puts on resources, as well as on relations between the host communities and the IDPs. In her meetings with the local authorities, she emphasized, among other issues, the importance of guaranteeing the freedom of religious worship for the Crimean Tatar IDPs.

In addition, the High Commissioner voiced her concern about the divisive impact of the recently adopted legislation on de‑communization and associated policies, both on relations between and within communities, as well as between Ukraine and its neighbours. “Especially at a time when the country is experiencing armed conflict, it is of the utmost importance that it pursues inclusive and balanced policies regarding sensitive identity issues, such as historical memory,” Thors said.