Following the approval of the Negotiating Framework for the Accession of Ukraine to the European Union, the European Union and the Council of Europe joint project "Support for Implementing European Standards Relating to Anti-Discrimination and Rights of National Minorities in Ukraine," in close cooperation with the Ministry of Justice, organized the simulation of a screening session from 16-18 July in Truskavets, Ukraine. This session targeted several government authorities involved in the Ukraine-EU screening negotiation process on equality issues. Participants included representatives from the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Education, National Police, Office of the Prosecutor General, DESS, Ombudsman Office, State Service of Ukraine on Labor Issues, Ministry of Internal Affairs, and Ministry of Health.
During the three days of the sessions, participants presented their prepared materials for the bilateral screening meetings under 11 topics of the negotiating Chapter 23, focusing on fundamental rights, non-discrimination – racial or ethnic discrimination, rights of persons belonging to minorities, including Roma, discrimination against LGBTIQ persons, measures combatting racism and xenophobia, hate speech and hate crime etc.
The international expert Aleksandar-Andrija Pejović facilitated the sessions. Mr. Pejović, with extensive experience in EU integration processes and substantial dialogue with EU institutions, provided valuable recommendations and input to enhance the presentations and overall preparation of the government authorities. This initiative aimed to ensure that Ukrainian government authorities are well-prepared to engage in the EU accession process, addressing critical issues related to fundamental rights and anti-discrimination.
The event is part of the European Union and the Council of Europe joint project "Supporting the Implementation of European Standards on Combating Discrimination and the Rights of National Minorities in Ukraine", which is co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe and implemented by the Council of Europe.
