language” based on ethnic composition). However, the Government has recognised that a new language law was needed, reflecting broad consensus as well as the expectations of the Russian-speaking population. There have been attempts to amend legislation and a draft law has been developed. The latest draft law was submitted on 4 June, which proposes to provide Russian language with “official status” through extensive usage in State institutions and public documents (see section D, Chapter IV). 127. On 30 May, the Ministry of Education amended the framework curriculum and study plans for secondary school students of grades 5-9 for the learning of minority languages, such as Armenian, Bulgarian, Crimean Tatar, Gagauz, Greek, German, Hebrew, Hungarian, Korean, Moldovan, Polish, Romanian, Russian and Slovak. The Ministry also increased significantly the number of hours prescribed for learning of a minority language in schools where the relevant language is the working one (it is now equal to the hours of learning Ukrainian language). Sexual minorities 128. The HRMMU continues to receive reports from the LGBT community regarding lack of tolerance and daily discrimination based on their sexual orientation and gender identity, mainly bullying at school/university, difficulties in finding and/or preserving employment especially when persons disclose their sexual orientation and gender identity; access to health services, particularly for transgender people; and physical attacks. 129. On 7 May, the High Specialized Court of Ukraine for Civil and Criminal Cases issued a letter (N 10-644/0/4-14) to appellate courts, explicitly prohibiting discrimination in employment on the basis of sexual orientation. The Court stressed that, when considering cases of labour discrimination, it is important to take into consideration the existing anti-discrimination law, which prohibits discrimination on any basis. E. Political rights Human rights in the electoral process 130. On 25 May, the population of Ukraine voted to elect a new President among 21 candidates. On 3 June, the Central Election Commission (CEC) confirmed that Mr. Petro Poroshenko had won with 54.7% of the vote. 131. The elections took place in a challenging political, economic and, in particular, security environment, due to continued unrest and violence in the east of Ukraine, where armed groups control some areas, and the Government has been conducting security operations. This situation affected the general human rights situation and seriously impacted the election environment, also obstructing meaningful observation. 132. Notwithstanding, elections were characterised by a 60% voter turnout and the clear resolve of the authorities to hold elections in line with international commitments and with a respect for fundamental freedoms in the vast majority of the country. The voting and counting process were transparent, despite large queues of voters at polling stations in some parts of the country. 93 | P a g e