At the fourth plenary meeting of the XXVIII extraordinary session of the Lviv Regional Council, deputies backed the Concept “Lviv Region – a Human Rights Region” for 2026–2029. The document sets out the introduction of a human rights-based approach in all 73 territorial communities of the region.
The main provisions of the decision were presented by Lviv Regional Council deputy and Representative of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights in Lviv Region, Taras Podvirnyi. According to him, the Concept is intended to make Lviv Region the first region in Ukraine where all communities will systematically implement human rights standards at local level.
It is envisaged that communities will assess the state of observance of human rights using a single methodology, “Human Rights Community”. Training is also planned for local self-government officials, along with the development of local action plans and regular monitoring of the implementation of the planned measures.
The implementation of the Concept is expected to contribute to better protection of human rights and freedoms, the removal of architectural and information barriers, the development of social services and the expansion of participation by vulnerable groups in community life. It is separately emphasised that the document should help to meet European integration criteria at local level and to establish Lviv Region as Ukraine’s first human rights region.
During the discussion, deputy Oleh Pankevych noted that residents of the region need not only programme documents, but also the real implementation of the steps they set out. He stressed the need for concrete results, in particular the elimination of inaccessibility of educational institutions and the creation of conditions under which people with disabilities, children and other groups with limited mobility will be able to make full use of services.
According to the Concept, by the end of 2029 all 73 territorial communities of Lviv Region must carry out a baseline assessment of the state of protection of human rights using the specified methodology and implement their own action plans to strengthen guarantees of rights and freedoms.