The Government of Ukraine has been introduced to the Verkhovna Rada by the bill No. 10288, which is aimed at protecting the language rights of national minorities and accelerating the process of European integration. However, this bill became the object of disputes because of its impact on the functioning of the Ukrainian language.
Language Ombudsman Taras Kremin noted that some of the provisions of the bill can significantly impair the situation of the Ukrainian language in various spheres of public life. In particular, Tatiana Sheptytska, Deputy Director of Scientific Work in the National Historical and Memorial Reserve “Bykivnyansky Tombs”, indicated that the bill allows large-scale Russification of telecasts, radio broadcasting, advertising, publishing and other industries due to the delay in the provisions for the Russian language after 5 years.
Kremin also expressed indignation about the weakening of the guarantees of the rights of representatives of national minorities to teach the state language in educational institutions and other provisions that may affect the presence of the Ukrainian language in the media.
"I urge the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine to finalize the draft law before consideration in the first reading, to take into account the decision of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine, the position of the Ombudsman, as well as a positive European experience, including Baltic countries," - called the Language Ombudsman. It is important to consider all parties to ensure the effective protection of the linguistic rights of all citizens.
