Citizens' readiness for national resistance is proposed to be officially established as a priority of state policy
In the conditions of a full-scale war, the issue of Ukrainian national and civic identity is becoming increasingly important not only for the educational or humanitarian spheres but also for national security. In Ukraine, it is proposed to strengthen state policy at the legislative level in the field of national-patriotic and military-patriotic education, civic education, the formation of defense consciousness, civic resilience, and readiness for national resistance.
At the same time, work continues on new state initiatives aimed at supporting Ukrainian identity among school and university youth, and the idea of holding the Year of Ukrainian Identity is also being considered.
Ukrainian identity is proposed to be included in the foundations of state policy
The Verkhovna Rada Committee on Youth and Sports emphasized the importance of further improving legislation in the field of establishing Ukrainian national and civic identity.
In particular, the government bill No. 15326 has already been submitted to parliament, which provides for amendments to the Law of Ukraine "On the Principles of Domestic and Foreign Policy."
The document proposes, for the first time, to directly establish the affirmation of Ukrainian national and civic identity among the foundations of the state's domestic and foreign policy. Its purpose is to harmonize basic legislation with current norms in the field of national and civic identity and to strengthen state policy amid modern security challenges.
Readiness for national resistance is intended to be defined as one of the priorities
As noted by "Judicial and Legal Newspaper", the bill provides for amendments to several provisions of the current law.
Among the proposed innovations are:
- establishing the affirmation of Ukrainian national and civic identity as one of the directions of state policy;
- promoting the formation of defense consciousness;
- developing civic resilience;
- increasing citizens' readiness for national resistance;
- supporting national-patriotic and military-patriotic education;
- developing civic education.
It is envisaged that the implementation of these goals will be carried out through a system of measures in the field of upbringing, education, and the formation of socio-state values.
It is also proposed to supplement the provisions of the law with norms regarding the formation and preservation of Ukrainian national and civic identity alongside ensuring the national-cultural and linguistic needs of citizens.
Why the changes are considered important
The authors of the legislative changes emphasize that the state's ability to resist internal and external threats largely depends on the level of national cohesion and citizens' awareness of their belonging to the Ukrainian nation.
The explanatory materials state that national-patriotic education should contribute to the formation of defense consciousness based on Ukraine's socio-state values.
At the same time, military-patriotic education is seen as a tool for forming readiness for national resistance, increasing respect for military service, and acquiring the necessary competencies in the field of security and defense by citizens.
Civic education, in turn, should promote the development of civic competencies, awareness of rights and duties, as well as responsibility for the protection of state independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
The Year of Ukrainian Identity is under consideration
Separately, during a professional discussion, the issue of introducing the Year of Ukrainian Identity was raised.
The initiative arose after appeals from public representatives and was submitted for consideration to the head of state. It is expected that its implementation will contribute to increasing the number of events aimed at forming national identity, strengthening state policy in this area, and expanding support for relevant programs both at the national and local levels.
The draft corresponding decree has already been approved by the government and is currently under consideration by the President of Ukraine.
Special attention is planned to be given to youth
The Committee on Youth and Sports emphasizes that work with school and university youth is of particular importance today.
It is at a young age that civic position, responsibility, value orientations, and attitude towards the state are formed, which will subsequently influence the development of society for many years.
The Committee declares support for initiatives aimed at strengthening Ukrainian national and civic identity and expects that the results of professional discussions will continue to be used during the preparation of legislative changes and the development of state policy in this area.
Subscribe to our Telegram channel t.me/sudua and to Google News SUD.UA, as well as to our VIBER and WhatsApp, our page on Facebook and on Instagram to stay informed about the most important events.
