For EU integration, Zelensky approves LGBT rights protection strategy

Volodymyr Zelensky. Photo: Getty Images

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree approving the National Human Rights Strategy, which specifically mentions LGBTQI+ people (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and other identities). According to the Ukrainian president’s official website, Decree No. 1038/2026 is dated October 12, 2026.

The strategy is directly linked to Ukraine’s European integration efforts. It is aligned with the EU–Ukraine Association Agreement and is intended to help Ukraine fulfill its commitments in negotiations on EU membership, particularly those outlined in the Rule of Law Roadmap. The document aims to bring Ukrainian human rights legislation into line with European standards.

LGBTQI+ rights are not addressed in a separate section of the strategy. The document states that the strategy must safeguard the rights and freedoms of everyone under Ukraine’s jurisdiction, regardless of citizenship or place of residence. It also recognizes that certain groups may face a heightened risk of rights violations due to their circumstances. These include children, people with disabilities, war veterans and their families, internally displaced persons, residents of occupied territories, national minorities, Indigenous peoples, and LGBTQI+ people.

The strategy sets out three objectives and indicators for measuring progress. These include the number of discrimination complaints submitted to the ombudsman, the proportion of criminal cases involving hate crimes, and the number of people receiving free legal aid.

Executive authorities will implement the strategy in cooperation with other government agencies and local governments. Funding will come from national and local budgets, as well as other legally permitted sources. The amount of funding will be determined annually based on available budget resources.

As the UOJ previously reported, Ruslan Stefanchuk said that lawmakers were seeking a compromise between the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (UCCRO) and the LGBT community while drafting the new Civil Code.

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