Valeriy Sushkevych has been appointed as the new Commissioner for the Rights of Disabled People in Ukraine.

Valeriy’s new position was announced on 3^rd December to celebrate International Day of Disabled People 2014. The role was established when President Petro Poroshenko signed a specific Decree.

President Poroshenko said, “We must do everything to protect the rights of disabled people. I am your partner and ally on this issue”.  Valeriy added, “It is an increasingly efficient mechanism. Together with the President, we will be creating a society for all. We will make the executive authorities ensure equal rights and opportunities for all”.

CAFE has worked with Valeriy previously in his role as the President of the National Association of Disabled People (NAIU) in Ukraine. NAIU was appointed as CAFE’s Ukrainian local implementing partner for our works around UEFA EURO 2012 and enjoyed a fruitful cooperation. Valeriy is also a former Paralympian and is President of the National Paralympic Committee, leading the Ukrainian Paralympic squad during the 2012 Paralympic Games opening ceremony.

We would like to congratulate Valeriy on his new position and we look forward to continued cooperation in the future.

A version of this article is also available in Ukrainian and Russian.