In modern society, understanding and respecting diversity is the foundation of a fair and effective functioning of state institutions. For the police, who work with various groups of the population, it is especially important to build trust and communicate without bias. To support this, in October 2024 Gender Stream, together with the National Police of Ukraine, developed the “Tolerance Dictionary”—a unique resource that helps police officers use correct terminology and establish effective dialogue with representatives of vulnerable groups.
What is the “Tolerance Dictionary”?
This document is not just a collection of terms. It is a practical guide for police officers that helps reduce the risk of conflicts, improve interaction with citizens, and create a safer and fairer society.
The “Dictionary” was developed with the participation of experts in gender equality, diversity issues, transgender rights, and accessibility. Among the authors are representatives of the National Police of Ukraine, including specialists from the Department of Main Inspection and Human Rights Compliance.
Structure of the Dictionary
The “Tolerance Dictionary” consists of four main sections, each containing key concepts and communication guidelines:
🔹 LGBTIQ+ Community – terminology that helps avoid discriminatory expressions and establish dialogue based on respect for each individual’s identity.
🔹 Social Groups – recommendations for communication with internally displaced persons (IDPs), ethnic minorities, people living with HIV, and those facing difficult life circumstances.
🔹 People with disabilities and other low-mobility population groups – advice on barrier-free communication with people with physical and mental (or mental) disabilities.
🔹 Legislative Framework – an overview of legal norms related to combating discrimination and ensuring equality for all citizens.
Why is this important?
Olga Polyakova, director of Gender Stream and one of the authors of the dictionary, emphasizes:
“We strive to create conditions where police officers are not just enforcers of the law but also agents of change in society. This dictionary is another step towards enabling law enforcement to work with an awareness of Ukraine’s diversity, respecting the dignity of every individual.”
Using correct terminology not only helps prevent discrimination but also fosters dialogue between the police and the public. This is particularly important in the fight against hate crimes and ensuring equal access to justice for all citizens.
Impact on Society
The presentation of the “Tolerance Dictionary” has generated great interest among human rights organizations and experts. Its implementation will contribute to fostering a culture of mutual respect, improving police operations, and increasing legal awareness.
This project was implemented through the Police Stabilization Project (PSP) with the support of the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada.
How to Access the Dictionary?
You can find the Tolerance Dictionary at the following link: