27-28 May 2024, the Ombudsman of Ukraine Dmytro Lubinets and the Ombudsman of Romania Renate Weber conducted two on-site visits. Moreover, they jointly exchanged information and shared experiences regarding the observance and monitoring of the rights of national minorities (communities) in Ukraine and in Romania. They highlighted that these on-site visits help to oversee the right to education for Romanian national minorities (communities) both in Chernivtsi and Ukrainian national minority (communities) in Romania, thus the ensurence of minority rights under the EU accession of Ukraine.

Two delegations visited the Taras Shevchenko Pedagogical Lyceum in Chernivtsi, where Ukrainians are taught in their native language, and study Romanian as a foreign language. Also, delegations laid flowers at the monument to Taras Shevchenko and visited the Ukrainian Orthodox parish of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Marmatsia, Sighetu. They talked with representatives of the parish and discussed the issue of respecting the rights of believers.

The main part of the on-site visit was connected to a meeting with representatives of the Ukrainian national minority (community) in Romania with the participation of two Ombudsmen. The event was held at the branch of the Union of Ukrainians in Romania. Representatives of the Ukrainian community had the opportunity to express themselves and raise problematic issues.

 Based on the results of the on-site visit, the Ombudsman of Ukraine Dmytro Lubinets concluded at the round table to include the Taras Shevchenko Pedagogical Lyceum in the programs for modernization and repair works. Furthermore, he mentioned about the importance to provide students with laptops and textbooks. He also drew attention to the problem that IDPs have to study in two schools, in other words Ukrainian — online, and Romanian — in-person. This issue needs to be resolved at the level of the two countries so that there is no additional burden on children.

 Dmytro Lubinets also emphasized the importance of supporting the exchanged experience with the Ombudsman of Romania, Renata Weber. The human rights commissioner of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine emphasizes that if the rights of Ukrainians abroad are violated, they can turn to him. "I also want to thank Romania and everyone who helps Ukraine and Ukrainians. Support is important to us at a time when we are fighting for the existence of our nation!" - summarized the Commissioner.

The event was supported by the joint European Union and Council of Europe project "Supporting the Implementation of European Standards on Combating Discrimination and the Rights of National Minorities in Ukraine" in close partnership with the Commissioner on Human Rights of the Parliament of Ukraine.