Being different is not a problem, the challenge is rejection: Ukraine is on the way to tolerance
On Ukraine’s path to European integration, significant progress has been made event. The European Commission presented a report within the framework of the European Union enlargement package in 2024. Among the evaluations of the progress of candidate countries for joining the EU, recommendations were also made regarding the activities of the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. The report noted that, despite significant efforts by the ombudsman, human rights issues in Ukraine still remain a serious challenge on the way to the EU. And indeed, data from research conducted by the I. Kucheriv Foundation “Democratic Initiatives” on the initiative of the UN Development Program (UNDP) in Ukraine during 2016-2024, testify that there are positive dynamics, but on a 5-point scale, these indicators do not exceed 3.5 points.
Infographic: IA “FACT”
We are different, but equal
The problem is not that we are different, but that we refuse to accept it. Tolerance is our chance to change the country. Every person’s life should be important. It is important not because of her gender, orientation or physical capabilities, but because this person has the right to be herself. However, are we ready as a society to accept this right? Tolerance is the principle of accepting and respecting the rights of others, regardless of their differences in race, religion, culture, political views, gender, sexual orientation and other characteristics. It is the ability to acknowledge and respect different opinions, allowing people to live according to their beliefs without judgment. As the survey results of the aforementioned Foundation show, Ukrainians are not equally tolerant of all sensitive categories.
Infographic: IA “FACT”
How inclusiveness is becoming the norm in Ukraine and the world
Inclusion is the process of creating an environment where all people, regardless of physical, intellectual or social differences, have equal access to opportunities and resources. Inclusiveness implies not only physical presence, but also active participation in various spheres of life on equal terms, with respect for everyone’s needs. In European countries, Canada and Australia actively support the rights of minorities through educational initiatives aimed at combating discrimination. The European Union introduced Strategy rights of persons with disabilities (2021–2030), which focuses on equal access to services, education, employment and justice. These programs aim to reduce discrimination through access to resources, support for active participation in community life, and an emphasis on inclusiveness in schools and at work. In Sweden, since the 90s, inclusion has become an integral part of the policy: all public places must be accessible to people with disabilities. LGBT+ rights in Great Britain and Canada are protected at the level of law, and the very idea of tolerance has become central not only in politics, but also in culture. Examples of Western countries that successfully implement such strategies serve as an inspiration for Ukraine.
“Without barriers” initiative
The EU demonstrates how policymakers can ensure access to education, work, health and other services for all citizens. Positive changes are taking place in the field of education, in particular, the development of inclusive education, where more and more children with special needs have the opportunity to study on equal terms. The authorities are working on creating training programs and providing qualified personnel. In Ukraine, the initiative of First Lady Olena Zelenska “Without barriers” is active, which is aimed at improving access and support for people with disabilities, veterans and families with children. The project covers the creation of barrier-free infrastructure, improvement of education and provision of psychological support. However, this is not enough, as many Ukrainians still show intolerance, in particular towards representatives of the LGBT+ community. According to the I. Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation, people are most often discriminated against in Ukraine based on age, health (disability), property status, sexual orientation, gender, etc.
On what grounds are people most often discriminated against in Ukraine?
Infographic: IA “FACT”
Therefore, the state of tolerance towards the LGBT+ community in Ukraine is ambiguous. Recently, the attitude towards this category has somewhat improved, especially among young people and residents of large cities. However, significant problems remained at the general level. For example, about 47% of Ukrainians still have a negative attitude towards this vulnerable category, in particular, this is noticeable among the older generation and in conservative regions of the country. According to the website “Human Rights LGBT Center”, more incidents of homo/transphobic threats and attacks were documented in the first half of 2024 than in all of 2023.
The development of tolerance reflects a complex path through history, especially in the context of the post-Soviet legacy. During the Soviet regime, the LGBT+ community was subjected to brutal repression. Homosexuality was considered a mental disorder and people could be sentenced to prison or treatment. This established deep stereotypes in society, which persist even today, although the situation is gradually changing. The difference in values between the Soviet past and modern Europe, where tolerance is one of the main values, greatly complicates the process of rethinking human rights. In Ukraine, even after 33 years of independence, there remains a fairly high level of homophobia associated with conservative views and religious traditions. In Western countries, same-sex unions have become the norm and the rights of people with different sexual orientations are actively supported. In Ukraine, there are still significant problems with this, in particular, there is insufficient legal protection for such couples. Same-sex marriages are not recognized by law, and LGBT+ people do not have the right to adopt children or officially register relationships. This significantly limits their rights, especially in matters of inheritance, health care and social guarantees.
Ukrainian media now increasingly discuss topics related to the LGBT+ community, albeit with varying levels of support and objectivity. Tracking and monitoring of hate speech is carried out by the National Council of Ukraine on Television and Radio Broadcasting by creating dictionaries “unwanted vocabulary”. The main goal of such initiatives is to promote a more open and tolerant society through correct and unbiased public information.
Xenophobia – fear and dislike of someone else
In addition, manifestations of xenophobia and prejudice against national minorities are observed in Ukraine, which indicates the need for even more active work on increasing tolerance. Note that xenophobia is fear, dislike or prejudice against foreigners, representatives of other cultures, nationalities or those who are perceived as “foreign”. National minorities in Ukraine in 2024 have a certain level of support and recognition, but still face challenges. “Law on national minorities (communities) in Ukraine” protects the rights of people belonging to national minorities. It provides an opportunity for these people to preserve their culture, use their native language, get an education, and participate in the political, economic, and social life of the country. The law helps national minorities to freely express their identity and supports their rights to develop and preserve their own traditions. However, in some parts of the country and among certain groups, national minorities still face certain stereotypes, unfriendly attitudes, racism or xenophobia.
During the war, many representatives of various communities actively support Ukraine, in particular, by serving in the Armed Forces. Foreigners and people of different nationalities who fight for our territories often become a symbol of unity and mutual support.
Tolerance and inclusiveness are the basis for creating a healthy and sustainable society. Their implementation is of great importance for the future of Ukraine. When society realizes that all people, regardless of their skin color, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or physical characteristics, are equal, a country can overcome many social barriers.
Oleksandr Khokhlov
