On November 5, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Mariana Betsa held a meeting with the UNHCR delegation, which is currently on a working visit to Ukraine.

Mariana Betsa expressed gratitude to the UNHCR representatives for their assistance to Ukrainian citizens forced to stay abroad due to the war waged by Russia against Ukraine, as well as for their support of internally displaced persons.

The Deputy Minister emphasized the importance of launching the “Ukraine is Home” platform and highlighted that the Government of Ukraine is taking measures to support Ukrainians worldwide. In particular, an information and communication system called “e-Consul” is being introduced, which will significantly improve access for Ukrainian citizens to consular services.

Mariana Betsa also informed the UNHCR representatives about the updated state policy regarding the global Ukrainian community, which involves rethinking the approaches of the Ukrainian state towards its diaspora. “We are talking about a global Ukrainian space, in which every Ukrainian is a value for the state,” she emphasized.

Additionally, the Deputy Minister acquainted the interlocutors with the relevant provisions of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy`s Peace Formula and the Victory Plan, outlining the efforts of the Ukrainian side to facilitate the return of children who have been illegally deported by the aggressor state.

The meeting also addressed the educational needs of Ukrainian children abroad. Mariana Betsa stressed that preserving national identity, enabling children to learn the Ukrainian language, incorporating “Ukrainian components” and opening new educational centres and schools are top priorities for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in this area.

Foreign guests, in turn, informed the Ukrainian side about the UNHCR`s work to assist Ukrainians who are forcibly staying abroad. The interlocutors also discussed specific issues regarding the return of Ukrainians home and agreed to continue their collaboration to provide diverse support for Ukrainians abroad.