On 6 June, a meeting took place in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, which brought together Hallvard Gorseth, Head of the Anti-Discrimination Department of the Council of Europe's Directorate General for Democracy and Human Dignity and Oleksandr Kornienko, First Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament. The meeting focused on the ongoing legislative initiatives registered in the Parliament, and their adherence to European anti-discrimination standards to reinforce the protection of the rights of vulnerable groups in Ukraine.

Discussions highlighted the importance of strengthening the integration of European standards into Ukrainian legislation to fulfil commitments towards the Council of Europe and thereby also contributing to Ukraine's path towards EU accession. Emphasis was placed on legislative initiatives such as the criminalisation of hate crimes (5488) and the establishment of a Civil Partnership Institute (9103), both of which contain key proposals to expand the protection the rights of vulnerable groups, including those of LGBTI persons and of national minorities.

"According to the results of recent polls, the level of tolerance in Ukrainian society has increased significantly compared to previous years," noted Oleksandr Kornienko. "The Ukrainian Parliament continues to move in the direction of combating discrimination. Discussions of relevant draft laws are currently ongoing. We appreciate the recommendations and support of the Council of Europe, which remains a reliable partner of Ukraine."

“I am pleased to learn that the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine is taking action to further strengthen the implementation of European anti-discrimination standards to combat hate crime and to institute registered partnerships in Ukraine..” said Hallvard Gorseth.

This meeting organised by the joint European Union and Council of Europe project "Support for implementing European standards relating to anti-discrimination and rights of national minorities in Ukraine".