Ukraine - Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination Treaty

This report examines Ukraine’s obligations under the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, focusing on the exclusion of ethnic minorities, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and minority women from political life. Despite steps toward legal inclusion, persistent structural and social barriers continue to hinder the effective participation of marginalised communities in civic and electoral processes.

This report was developed with the support of Ukrainian civil society. The Centre sponsored a civil society representative from Kropyvnytskyi to engage with the UN treaty body process, supporting the work of a local expert to contribute a unique, on-the-ground perspective to a global oversight mechanism.

Key concerns include (1) systemic exclusion of Roma communities from elections due to lack of civil documentation, low literacy, and limited access to civic education; (2) de facto discrimination against IDPs, despite legal reforms, with continued barriers tied to outdated residency information and low awareness of electoral rights; and (3) underrepresentation of minority women, who face compounded barriers due to gender, ethnicity, and social expectations, particularly in the context of ongoing conflict.

This report urges Ukraine to implement robust measures to ensure the civic inclusion of Roma and IDPs through targeted civil document access, voter education campaigns, and reforms addressing practical obstacles to participation. It further calls for empowerment of minority women in political and humanitarian decision-making processes, ensuring inclusive governance during and after the conflict.