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OUR LIFE Monthly, published by Ukrainian National Women’s League o f America Vol. LIX MAY 2002 Editor: TAM ARA STADNYCHENKO FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Happy Easter to all those who celebrate with Ukraine! Happy Mother's Day In this month's issue, I would like to share with you some thoughts on the meeting o f the Ukrainian W orld Coordinating Council that was held in Kyiv from March 18 to March 20, 2 0 0 2 .1 attended the meeting as a member o f the UWCC Board. The most problematic question addressed at the meeting had to do with the Ukrainian language issue, which has deteriorated in the worst possible way. Though Article 10 o f Ukraine's Constitution specifically guarantees development and use o f Ukrainian throughout Ukraine, in the country's eleventh year of independence, we find that our language is still being neglected and supplanted by foreign languages, especially Russian. The publication o f Ukrainian language newspapers has declined to 4%, while 99% of Ukraine's television and radio station broadcasts are mostly Russian. In schools o f higher learning, especially technical schools, classes are conducted in Russian. In sports and trade and other public activities, Russian is used almost exclusively. A national language is at the heart o f national honor and it is a matter o f deep concern that Ukraine's current government is doing little to change the trend o f russification that has inflicted so much damage for so many years. Today, many officials o f the government, representing all ranks from ministerial to clerical, speak Russian. Exacerbating the problem is the President's decision to liquidate the Council on Ukrainian Language. In February 2002, the Commission on Ukraine's Orthography was also eliminated; it was determined that the orthographic standards implemented in 1933, a clear manifestation of the Soviet government's desire to eradicate all things Ukrainian, should be the accepted orthographic standard in contemporary, sovereign Ukraine. It was clear to all participants o f the UWCC meeting that steps to ensure that Articles 10 and 11 of the Constitution are honored and not violated should be taken. Thus, it was decided that appeals for change must be made to President Kuchma and his Cabinet ministers, to members o f the Verkhovna Rada, to leaders o f the academic community, and to those serving in Ukraine's armed forces. It remains to be seen whether any positive changes will occur in the near future. On the last day o f the meeting, a conference with several Ukrainian government officials was held, giving UWCC delegates an opportunity to discuss many important issues with those in a position to influence the way these issues will be handled and resolved. As in previous meetings with Ukrainian government officials, I asked what mechanisms the government was using to stop the trafficking o f women. Unfortunately, my question went unanswered, a sad commentary on a tragic situation that does not seem to be a priority for most Ukrainian politicians. That same evening, a reception in my honor was hosted by His Excellency Hennady Udovenko, President of the 52nd General Assembly o f the United Nations; the President o f Rukh; Honorary President of Soyuz Ukrainok o f Ukraine, Atena Pashko; and President o f Soyuz Ukrainok and Verkhovna Rada Deputy, Lilia Hryhorovych. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all these individuals. I am humbled by receiving so great an honor.
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