ADDRESS of the National Commission of Ukraine for UNESCO

to the National Commissions for UNESCO of partner countries

 

Recognizing the fundamental role of National Commissions for UNESCO in supporting the Organization’s programmes as a unique network within the United Nations system aimed at a more interactive and dynamic cooperation,

Underlining the need to reinforce the partnership of National Commissions, in particular through exchange of information and experience, sharing best practices, in order to give new impetus to UNESCO’s activities,

Reaffirming the firm determination and readiness of the National Commission of Ukraine for UNESCO to further deploy sustained efforts to promote the ideals and objectives of the Organization,

Recalling that under the conditions of illegal occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol by the Russian Federation and its on-going aggression against Ukraine, one of the top priority of the Ukrainian National Commission is monitoring of the situation with respect for human rights, in particular linguistic and cultural rights, as well as preservation of Ukrainian historical and cultural heritage in occupied Crimea and certain areas of  Donetsk and Luhansk regions which are temporarily beyond Ukraine’s control,

Noting with satisfaction UNESCO’s constant support of the sovereignty, political independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine in its internationally recognized borders in accordance with UN General Assembly Resolution 68/262 of 27 March 2014 and Resolution 71/205 of 19 December 2016,

Stressing the relevance of six consecutive decisions “Follow-up of the situation  in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea (Ukraine)” adopted in recent years by the UNESCO Executive Board  which are aimed at practical realization of UNESCO Statute provisions on ensuring education for all, protection of the cultural, historical and natural heritage, free flow of ideas,

The National Commission of Ukraine for UNESCO calls:

-  to enhance bilateral, sub-regional and regional cooperation through initiation and implementation of joint initiatives and projects within the scope of UNESCO’s programmes,

-                     to stand for complete and meaningful implementation of the above mentioned decisions of the UNESCO Executive Board aimed at creation of an effective monitoring mechanism of the situation in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol (Ukraine) within UNESCO’s fields of competence.

 

Adopted on February 7, 2017 in Kyiv at the 21st meeting of the National Commission of Ukraine for UNESCO