Ukraine to establish a special coordinator for combating anti-Semitism

The Verkhovna Rada committee for Ukraine’s EU integration has supported draft law No 14228 aimed at strengthening control over cases of anti-Semitism and improving institutional mechanisms for combating it. The document envisages the appointment of a special coordinator and a clear distribution of powers between state bodies to effectively prevent manifestations of intolerance.

According to the SUD.UA website, the draft law No. 14228 and its alternative version No. 14228-1 are recognized as compliant with Ukraine’s international legal obligations in the sphere of European integration. The initiative is part of the implementation of measures of the Roadmap for the Rule of Law.

According to the text of the draft law, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine will be authorized to determine the central executive body that will perform the functions of a special coordinator for preventing and countering anti-Semitism. The body forming state policy in this area will be responsible for normative and legal regulation, coordination of the work of other agencies, generalization of the practice of application of legislation and international cooperation.

Functions on direct implementation of the policy will include monitoring of compliance with the legislation, consultations and research, as well as interaction with public organizations. The document pays special attention to measures to memorialize Holocaust victims and cooperation with relevant bodies of foreign countries to prevent any form of anti-Semitism.