Harmonizing Interethnic Relations and Creating a Tolerant Environment for Internally Displaced Persons in Chernivtsi Region

This project was implemented within the framework of the initiative “A Shared Future for Ukrainian Society After Maidan: Promoting Mutual Understanding and Cooperation in Conflict Prevention,” led by the Institute for International Cooperation of the German Adult Education Association (DVV International) and the Information and Research Center “Integration and Development” NGO, with the support of the Federal Foreign Office of Germany.

The project was carried out in partnership with the “Stantsiya” Broadcasting Company LLC.

Project Goal:

To raise public awareness in the Chernivtsi region regarding the issues, rights, and freedoms of ethnonational and linguistic minorities, as well as internally displaced persons (IDPs), in order to harmonize interethnic relations and promote a tolerant environment in Ukraine’s border region. This was achieved through the production and broadcasting of a series of informative and analytical radio programs.

Key Activities and Outcomes:

• A 12-episode series of public-affairs and analytical radio broadcasts titled “Point of Uncertainty” was aired live once a week (Tuesdays at 19:05), with each episode lasting 30 minutes.
• The programs featured public experts on ethnopolitical, migration, and social issues, as well as representatives of local authorities, ethnic minorities, and internally displaced persons.
• A telephone hotline was launched during the broadcasts, providing residents of the Chernivtsi region with the opportunity to share their views, ask questions to guest speakers, and receive objective and unbiased information on the topics discussed.
• Public officials were given a platform to clarify and explain government policies and actions related to the rights of ethnic minorities and the legal and social protection of IDPs.

Impact:

The project successfully engaged the public in critical dialogue, attracting the attention of approximately 170,000 people in the Chernivtsi region — including listeners of Stantsiya Radio and online users — regardless of their place of residence. This broad outreach highlighted the urgent need to harmonize interethnic relations, update national ethnopolicy, and foster tolerance toward displaced persons.