The rights of indigenous peoples of Ukraine as a central element of their legal status

The proposed article examines specific aspects of regulating the legal status of indigenous peoples of Ukraine and their rights as an element of its regulation. It was established that the rights of the indigenous peoples of Ukraine must be considered in the context of their legal status. It was determined that the legal status of the indigenous peoples of Ukraine is based on several international legal acts and the provisions of current national legislation. Given the existing classifications of legal status, the legal status of Indigenous peoples can be considered a special legal status due to its belonging to a particular group of people. The article examines the existing scientific controversy regarding the definition of the concept of “Indigenous peoples,” the basis of which is proposed to be defined based on its legal definition in the Law of Ukraine “On Indigenous Peoples of Ukraine.” The main characteristics of the indigenous people, distinguished by modern scientists in the field of law, are summarized. Broad and narrow approaches to understanding the indigenous people are determined depending on the number of such signs. It was established that the current Law of Ukraine, “On Indigenous Peoples of Ukraine,” demonstrates a three-level approach to the legal regulation of the rights of Indigenous peoples, consolidating them, in fact, into three groups: those that determine legal personality, fundamental rights, and others. However, the current legislation needs to allow to clearly define the legal markers of such a gradation and a clear understanding of the separation of fundamental rights and the rights provided for by individual articles of the profile law. The legal uncertainty of the mechanism of guarantees for the protection of the legal status of the indigenous peoples of Ukraine and its protection is established, as well as the need for further scientific research to improve the understanding of existing guarantees at the theoretical and legal level and their development at the regulatory level. Keywords: indigenous people, legal status, rights, guarantees, responsibility.