"Ukraine has made significant progress in adapting its legislation to EU standards in the field of gender equality and education. Ukraine has adopted a law "On Ensuring Equal Rights and Opportunities for Women and Men", aimed at ensuring gender equality, the Istanbul Convention has been ratified, institutional mechanisms are being improved” – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Iryna Borovets said at the opening of the event.
The diplomat emphasized the systematic policy of discrimination that Russia implements in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. She referred to the facts of oppression of Ukrainians, Crimean Tatars and other ethnic groups, representatives of various beliefs, as well as persons who identify as sexual minorities.
"Every step we take towards equality and protection of human rights makes us stronger as a society. Ukraine, following this path, confirms its aspiration to be part of the European family of nations, where freedom, equality and respect are valued," Iryna Borovets emphasized.
The participants of the meeting also discussed the European experience and possible modernity in ensuring diversity and combating discrimination in Ukraine. It was emphasized that interaction with civil society is important not only at the stage of introducing ideas and proposals to improve the legislation, but also at the stage of implementation, with the aim of its best practical application.