A/HRC/28/64/Add.1 stated that they had alerted authorities about such incidents and called for heightened security, including police patrols of Roma settlements, to protect Roma from further attacks. They urged the affected Roma communities to file complaints about violence or threats although they indicated that the Roma were fearful of doing so given the lack of trust in police forces in some locations. 67. The Special Rapporteur visited a Roma community on the outskirts of Kyiv. Over 100 people, including more than 60 children, were living on a rubbish tip in basic shelters of wood and tarpaulin. The community scavenged scrap from the site which they sold to local merchants. Community members described their situation, which included a shortage of food and drinking water, and poor sanitation, health and access to health care. None of the children were in school and they were clearly inadequately dressed for the low temperatures. The community members stated that they had travelled from Uzhgorod owing to the lack of work or income-generating opportunities there and in the hope of finding a better situation. The community needs urgent intervention to improve living conditions and ensure the health, well-being and access to education for their children. X. Conclusions and recommendations General comments 68. Many persons belonging to minorities in Ukraine have strong, distinct historical, ethnic, religious and linguistic identities that they wish to maintain and express, as well as strong cultural, economic, social or linguistic connections with kinStates. Their historical and group narratives are frequently heavily influenced by those ties. Despite previous periods of political and social upheaval since independence, harmonious relations have endured between different population groups and equal treatment was described in most areas of life. Many minority representatives emphasized their minority status while asserting their desire to build their futures as equal citizens of Ukraine. 69. Ukraine is a relatively new independent State, following a long period of historical Russian linguistic and cultural hegemony. In the current context it should be recognized that a gradual decline in the influence and extent of a formerly dominant minority language and culture does not automatically indicate evidence of discrimination or human rights violations. However, while it is legitimate for the Government to foster Ukrainian national identity and language, that must be conducted in a manner which respects, protects and promotes the rights of minorities. Sensitivity must be exercised to ensure that no law, policy or programme has discriminatory intent or effect. 70. Ukraine has a legislative and policy framework and environment that are generally consistent with the provisions of the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities and that are generally conducive to the protection of minority rights, including their civil and political and economic, social and cultural rights. 71. As in many States, the infrastructure for minority rights protection requires strengthening and development and complaints by minorities must be addressed appropriately. That should be achieved in full consultation with minorities. It is essential that any revisions to existing legislation and policy, as well as newly adopted laws, including relating to the status and use of minority languages, fully conform with international standards relating to equality, non-discrimination and minority rights. 18