Ukraine: UN human rights expert launches mission to consult with minority communities

GENEVA (4 April 2014) – The United Nations Special Rapporteur on minority issues, Rita Izsák, will carry out her first official visit to Ukraine from 7 to 13 April 2014, to gather first-hand information from minority communities in the country.

“This is a timely opportunity for me, in my capacity as an independent observer, to engage in dialogue with all relevant parties,” Ms. Izsák said. “I intend to consult widely with national, ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities to hear first-hand their issues and concerns.”

“Recent developments make an impartial assessment of the actual situation on the ground essential,” the Special Rapporteur added.

Ms. Izsák, who visits Ukraine at the invitation of the Government, will meet with a wide variety of Government and non-governmental actors and communities, and will travel to different localities including Kiev, Uzhgorod, Odessa and Donetsk. The Special Rapporteur has requested access to Crimea where she hopes to hold further consultations.

Upon conclusion of her visit to Ukraine, Ms. Izsák will report to the Human Rights Council on her findings and recommendations.

The Special Rapporteur is tasked by the United Nations Human Rights Council to promote the implementation of the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities (Check the Declaration: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/ProfessionalInterest/Pages/Minorities.aspx).

Ms. Rita Izsák was appointed as Independent Expert on minority issues by the Human Rights Council in June 2011 and subsequently her mandate was renewed as Special Rapporteur in March 2014. As Special Rapporteur, she is independent from any government or organization and serves in her individual capacity. Learn more: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Minorities/IExpert/Pages/IEminorityissuesIndex.aspx

UN Human Rights, country page – Ukraine: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Countries/ENACARegion/Pages/UAIndex.aspx 

For further information and media inquiries, please contact:
In Geneva (before and after the visit): Graham Fox (+41 22 917 9640 / gfox@ohchr.org) or Margarita Lema (+41 22 917 9248 / mlematome@ohchr.org) or write to minorityissues@ohchr.org

For media inquiries related to other UN mandates:
Xabier Celaya, UN Human Rights – Media Unit (+ 41 22 917 9383 / xcelaya@ohchr.org)  

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