July 16, 2013 – UNFPA Representative in Ukraine Ms. Nuzhat Ehsan and Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Ms. Valeriya Lutkovska had a working meeting, during which the parties agreed on signing a Memorandum of Understanding.

“The priorities of our organizations are the same, so there is a need for closer cooperation. Our joined efforts and cooperation activities should be reflected in the future document”, - said the Commissioner. The Memorandum is expected to be signed in autumn.

The participants of the meeting agreed to regularly monitor and exchange the data on human rights and freedoms in the social and public health spheres. The parties stressed on the need to develop mechanisms to enhance women's participation in politics and government, to address the underrepresentation of women by gradual introduction of the quota system given the specific nature of the national electoral legislation.

Head of the Office of the Commissioner Mr. Bogdan Kryklyvenko expressed his gratitude for the support that UNFPA in Ukraine provided for his participation in the International Conference on Human Rights that took place in the Hague on July 7-10, 2013. Mr.Kryklyvenko briefed the meeting participants on the main issues discussed during the Conference. The parties agreed on developing common approaches to implement policies and service standards to promote reproductive rights and gender equality in Ukraine.