Poroshenko stresses importance of observing rights of ethnic minorities in Ukraine in obtaining education

Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko has stressed the importance of observing humanitarian rights of national minorities living on the territory of his country in obtaining education.

"Ukraine has demonstrated and will continue to demonstrate this attitude to the rights of national minorities, which meets our international obligation, is in harmony with European standards and is a model for neighboring countries," Poroshenko said commenting on the signing of law No. 2145-VІІІ on Education on Monday.

However, the president stressed that the law increases the role of the state Ukrainian language in the educational process. According to him, the law provides equal opportunities for everyone, since it guarantees each student a high level of command of the Ukrainian language necessary for a successful career in Ukraine, the presidential website reported.

It was reported that on September 5, the Verkhovna Rada passed an education bill launching education reform in Ukraine. The bill determines, among other things, that teaching at educational institutions should be conducted in the national language.

However, in line with the educational program, one or more subjects can be taught in two or more languages – the state language, the English language, in other official languages of the European Union.

Persons belonging to national minorities are guaranteed the right to study in their native language along with the Ukrainian language in separate classes (groups) in municipal institutions of preschool and primary education.

On September 25, Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko has signed the education law.