Given Ukraine’s status as a candidate country for membership in the European Union, the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, has initiated the practice of appointing his Representatives abroad. Their role is not only to ensure the rights and freedoms of Ukrainians in the respective countries but also to establish effective communication with EU bodies to facilitate Ukraine’s European integration process.
Representative of the Ombudsman in the Kingdom of Belgium and EU Affairs – Marta Barandiy
One such representative is Marta Barandiy, who serves as the Representative of the Commissioner for Human Rights in the Kingdom of Belgium and for communication with European Union bodies.
Ukrainian citizens can contact the Representative if their rights and freedoms are violated in Belgium. In addition, she collaborates with non-governmental organizations and state institutions in both Belgium and the EU to enhance interaction with the Office of the Ukrainian Ombudsman.
Marta Barandiy actively engages with the Ukrainian community through various projects and initiatives aimed at supporting Ukrainians abroad. She also maintains close cooperation with Belgian institutions, EU bodies, non-governmental organizations, and diplomatic missions, ensuring the proper protection of the rights and interests of Ukrainian citizens.
Key Responsibilities of Marta Barandiy
At the Kingdom of Belgium level, the Representative’s work involves assisting Ukrainians in resolving issues that arise abroad. The most common concerns include:
- Document processing;
- Finding housing;
- Job search;
- Cultural adaptation;
- Rights protection.
At the European Union level, Marta Barandiy’s task is to provide the Office of the Ukrainian Ombudsman with the necessary institutional network, which enhances the effectiveness of the European integration process, particularly in the field of human rights protection.
Contact Information
For the convenience of Ukrainian citizens residing in Belgium, here is the contact information for the Ombudsman’s Representative:
- Address: Boulevard Emile Jacqmain 81, 1000 Brussels, Belgium.
- Office hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays (from September 1st) from 14:00 to 16:00.
- Phone hours: Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 17:00.
- Phone numbers: +32478333431, +32466361750.
- Email: marta.barandiy@promoteukraine.org
Marta Barandiy is always ready to assist Ukrainians in Belgium, ensuring the protection of their rights and fostering improved cooperation between Ukraine and the European Union.
