On 17 July 2024, a meeting of the Council for Human Rights, Gender Equality and Diversity under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine took place in Kyiv. It was devoted to the topic "Inclusiveness and barrier-free society in Ukraine: commitment, cooperation and international support in the context of war". Mr Maciej Janczak, Head of the Office of the Council of Europe in Ukraine, participated in the event.

Mr Janczak highlighted the support provided by the Council of Europe to the Government of Ukraine in the implementation of the Barrier-Free Strategy of Ukraine through the Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine “Resilience, recovery and reconstruction” (2023-2026) and the dedicated Council of Europe co-operation project “Enhanced social protection in Ukraine”. He also mentioned: “National Strategy for the Creation of the Barrier-Free Environment in Ukraine until 2030 developed with the Council of Europe expert support in 2021, lays down the principles enshrined in one of the key Council of Europe treaty - the European Social Charter (revised). Particularly, to ensure the rights of people with disabilities to independence, social integration, and participation in the life of the community regardless the nature and origin of their disability and irrespective of their age. We are very grateful for the long-standing and fruitful cooperation with our partners in this area and continue our support so that reform of the barrier-free environment in Ukraine continues to be successfully implemented”.

More than 35 participants, including the First Lady of Ukraine Ms Olena Zelenska, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Mr Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Social Policy of Ukraine Ms Oksana Zholnovych, Acting Minister for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Mr V. Shkurakov, other representatives of the national, local, international and civil society organisations participated in the discussion on the following topics:

• best international practices in implementation of the barrier-free programmes;
• proposed barrier-free solutions in times of war, including barrier-free services, barrier-free work, barrier-free recovery,  inclusive education;
• the readiness of local and regional authorities, civil society organisations to participate in the creation of the barrier-free environment in Ukraine.

As a result of the meeting, the Statement in support to the implementation of the National Strategy for the Creation of the Barrier-Free Environment in Ukraine until 2030 and its particular relevance for Ukraine was declared.

The Council for Human Rights, Gender Equality and Diversity at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a permanent consultative and advisory body for providing expert assistance, supporting the activities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and foreign diplomatic institutions of Ukraine, and providing clarifications on issues in the field of human rights, gender equality and diversity. The Council is a platform for exchanging opinions and finding possible alternative solutions.