The Issue of Migration and Minimization of Its Negative Consequences

“The Problem of Migration and Minimization of Its Negative Consequences” on the airwaves of Radio “Stantsiya”, with financial support from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives.

The project was implemented in partnership with “Stantsiya” Television and Radio Company Ltd.

The goal of the project implemented by the “Public Resources and Initiatives” Charity Foundation was to promote greater awareness among the citizens of Chernivtsi region (and partially Ivano-Frankivsk and Ternopil regions) regarding migration-related issues and how to avoid the challenges associated with labor and irregular migration. It also aimed to foster tolerance toward refugees and asylum seekers, inform the public on how to avoid becoming victims of human trafficking, reduce xenophobia toward foreign nationals, and generally mitigate the negative consequences of migration processes.

As part of the project, 10 radio programs under the general title “Open Borders” were prepared and aired, informing the regional population about the main types of migration and how to avoid the associated risks. These live broadcasts allowed audience participation, with listeners able to ask questions or express their views on migration issues. The programs also included street interviews conducted by journalists in Chernivtsi, which were commented on by civic experts during the broadcasts.

The programs were aired live once a week (30 minutes each) on Radio “Stantsiya” (103.2 FM) with the regular participation of civil society expert and the Foundation’s Vice President, Serhiy Hakman, and covered the following topics:

1. Main Directions of Ukraine’s Migration Policy
   Guest: Serhiy Myroslavovych Shvydiuk – Assistant to the Head of the Chernivtsi Regional Council, Associate Professor of the Department of Political Science and Public Administration at Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University, PhD in Political Science.
2. Current Dynamics of Migration in Europe and Migration Policy in Developed Countries
   Guest: Yevhen Oleksandrovych Ocheretiany – PhD student, Department of International Relations, Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University.
3. Migration Trends in the Context of the Global Financial Crisis
   Guest: Yaroslav Vasylovych Kyrpushko – Director of the Bukovyna Center for Reconstruction and Development, Chair of the Supervisory Board of the “Nashi Liudy” Credit Union, PhD in Geography.
4. Labor Migration: Key Components and Factors
   Guest: Elvira Mykolaivna Mruchkovska – Head of the regional civic organization “Suchasnyk”.
5. Social and Psychological Consequences of Labor Migration
   Guest: Olena Vitaliivna Holovina – Practicing psychologist.
6. The Problem of Children of Labor Migrants
   Guests: Svitlana Valeriivna Slabinska – Public Relations Specialist, International Organization for Migration (IOM) Mission in Ukraine;
   Yulia Ivanivna Yakivchek – Head of the Children’s Services Department, Chernivtsi Regional State Administration.
7. Gender Aspects of Labor Migration
   Guest: Olena Vitaliivna Holovina – Practicing psychologist.
8. Changes in Migration Flows Due to Visa Regimes Introduced by Neighboring Countries
   Guest: Yulia Olehivna Balytska – Assistant Professor, Department of International Information, Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University, PhD in Political Science.
9. Issues of Irregular Migration and Human Trafficking
   Guest: Hanna Serafymivna Zakharchuk – Senior Inspector, Special Assignments Sector for Combating Irregular Migration and Immigration Work, GIRFO Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine in Chernivtsi region, Police Major.
10. Forced Migrants and Refugees: National and International Protection Practices
    Guest: Mr. Hennadii – Head of the Coordinating Council of National-Cultural Societies of Chernivtsi Region “Cultural Landscape,” refugee in Ukraine since 1999.