According to a new Ukrainian draft law, the use of the language of the national minority, i.e. Hungarian, would also be prohibited in private communication, as the draft also stipulates that Ukrainian should be spoken during breaks, in teachers' rooms and after classes in the courtyard of educational institutions.

In a joint statement, the leaders of the Transcarpathian Hungarian Cultural Association (KMKSZ), the Hungarian Democratic Union of Ukraine (UMDSZ) and the Transcarpathian Hungarian Pedagogical Association (KMPSZ) protested against the proposed amendment to the Education Act, which, if adopted, would only allow the language of national minorities to be used in the classroom in educational institutions. could be used.
"We were shocked to read the amendment proposal to the Education Act of Ukraine on the official website of the parliament" , the aim of which is to create a Ukrainian language environment in educational institutions - says the joint statement of the three Hungarian interest protection organizations.

The signatories emphasize that they highly value the recently adopted legislative amendments, which partially restored the rights of national minorities, including Hungarians, to education in their mother tongue.

"However, draft law No. 12086 again narrows the rights and opportunities for using the language of the national minority"

they point out.

The language of the minorities could only be used in the lessons, but outside of them only the state language could be spoken. If the amendment is accepted, the use of the language of the national minority, i.e. Hungarian, would also be prohibited in private communication, as the draft also stipulates that Ukrainian should be spoken during breaks, in teachers' rooms and after classes in the courtyard of educational institutions.

The joint statement delivered to MTI states that the planned amendment to the law not only restricts the right of national minorities to use the language, but

"it is also contrary to basic human rights".

Since one of the essential conditions for Ukraine's European integration is to ensure the rights of national minorities, this draft threatens our country's accession process to the European Union - concludes the statement written by László Brenzovics, KMKSZ, László Zubánics, UMDSZ and Ildikó Orosz, president of KMPSZ.

MTI

Cover photo: Schoolchildren with Hungarian and Ukrainian flags in Salánk, Transcarpathia. MTI Photo: János Nemes