Protecting diversity, ensuring equal rights and strengthening social inclusion are essential to Ukraine's democratic resilience and European future. These priorities were at the centre of the Western Ukraine Forum of National Minorities (Communities), held in Lviv on 30 October 2026 under the theme “Shared History. Shared Future” and organised by the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Affairs and Freedom of Conscience (DESS).
More than 100 representatives of national minority communities, public authorities, civil society, academia and international organisations discussed how to keep that cultural diversity, national minority rights and meaningful participation at the heart of Ukraine's development, despite Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
Opening the Forum, Hallvard Gorseth, Director of Equal Rights and Dignity at the Council of Europe, stressed that minority rights standards must work in practice: “These standards are not limited to legislation. Their effective implementation requires sustained dialogue with national minority communities, meaningful participation in decision-making, and practical measures at national, regional and local levels. It is through these efforts that the protection of national minority rights becomes tangible in people’s everyday lives.” He also emphasised the important role of regional and local authorities in turning these commitments into reality.
This is precisely where the Council of Europe's cooperation with Ukraine makes a practical difference. Guided by the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, the Council of Europe works closely with DESS and other national institutions to advance reforms and strengthen the protection of minority rights.
Through the project “Supporting the Reform of the National Minority Legal Framework and the Resilience of National Minorities and Roma in Ukraine – Phase II”, the Council of Europe helps DESS implement the Action Plan on National Minorities, work more effectively and improve co-operation between national, regional and local authorities. Consultations with local authorities and communities help identify practical challenges and develop solutions that respond to the needs of different regions. The project prioritises national minorities participation, Roma inclusion, minority languages and inclusive education.
The Forum brought institutions and communities together around a shared understanding: Ukraine's diversity is a strength, and protecting the rights of every community is essential to a democratic, inclusive and resilient society.
