REFORMS FORUM: on the ROAD to VILNIUS February 25, 2020
Total Page：16
File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb
Load more
Recommended publications
-
REFORM in UKRAINE: Decentralisation Are the Most Widely Known Reforms Launched Since the Revolution of Dignity
INTRODUCTION Ò There is demand for systemic reform in Ukrainian society. The majority of citizens believe that these changes must be initiated by the country’s leadership, primarily by the president. DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS Ò Healthcare reform, police reform and REFORM IN UKRAINE: decentralisation are the most widely known reforms launched since the Revolution of Dignity. Some 82.9%, CHANGE FOR THE BETTER 72.2% and 61.8% of the population have heard about them. However, only 15.3%, 20.6% and 32.6%, respective- OR AN IMITATION ly have had a positive experience with OF PROGRESS? the results of these reforms Ò Most citizens consider compromise for Svitlana Balyuk, Nataliya Klauning, the sake of peace and the settlement Lyudmyla Chetvertukhina, Maria Koval-Honchar of the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine unacceptable. Citizens are of the April 2020 opinion that the most undesirable de- velopments for Ukraine would include the recognition of Crimea as Russian territory, the transfer of control of Ukraine’s gas transportation to Russia and a full amnesty for militants in the so-called Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics (DPR and LPR). 1 DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS REFORM IN UKRAINE: CHANGE FOR THE BETTER OR AN IMITATION OF PROGRESS? Contents 1 INTRODUCTION 3 2 METHODOLOGY 4 3 KEY FINDINGS 5 3.1. UKRAINIAN PUBLIC OPINION REGARDING THE SITUATION IN THE COUNTRY ....................................5 3.2. WHAT UKRAINIANS UNDERSTAND BY THE NOTION OF »REFORM« ..................................................6 3.3. CONDITIONS FOR IMPLEMENTING EFFECTIVE REFORMS AND THE DRIVING FORCES OF CHANGE .....6 3.4. REFORMS AND THE POPULATION’S STANDARD OF LIVING .............................................................11 3.5. -
Ukrainian Armed Forces
June 23, 2021 Ukrainian Armed Forces In 2014, the Ukrainian military, which observers noted had lower (around 2.5% of GDP). Ukraine’s 2021 defense been weakened by years of neglect and underfunding, faced budget is 117.6 billion hryvnia ($4.2 billion), 127 million Russia’s occupation of Ukraine’s Crimea region and hryvnia ($4.6 million) less than 2020’s budget. invasion of eastern Ukraine. Since that time, the Ukrainian Additionally, Ukraine’s defense budget allocations are split armed forces have made considerable improvements; they between funds necessary to maintain the military and funds have undertaken efforts to adopt NATO standards and to support its ambitious reform program. received significant NATO and U.S. assistance. Many of these reforms began out of the experience of defending Ukraine inherited a sprawling defense industry from the against Russian aggression. Reforms range from the tactical Soviet Union, producing a wide range of products, to the strategic levels and include both political measures including tanks and armored vehicles, aircraft, radars and (e.g., increasing transparency, countering corruption, and electronics, missiles, and ships. Defense conglomerate ensuring civilian control over the military) and military Ukroboronprom oversees the defense industry, which reforms (e.g., modernizing equipment, reforming command comprises over 130 state-run companies. In recent years, and control, and increasing professionalization). Ukrainian officials have made reforming Ukroboronprom and increasing transparency key goals, including passing a Significant hurdles remain, however, and the reform new law, On Defense Procurement, in July 2020 to process is complicated by Ukraine’s Soviet legacy, the implement NATO standards in defense procurement. -
No. 47, November 24, 2019
INSIDE: Canada’s new ambassador to Ukraine – page 3 Razom for Ukraine holds annual meeting – page 4 Archbishop Daniel is Ukrainian of the Year – page 9 THEPublished U by theKRAINIAN Ukrainian National Association, Inc., celebrating W its 125th anniversaryEEKLY Vol. LXXXVII No. 47 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2019 $2.00 Ukraine’s leaders prepare Holodomor commemorated at St. Patrick’s Cathedral for Normandy Four summit by Bohdan Nahaylo KYIV – The leaders of the Normandy Four countries – Ukraine, Russia, Germany and France – have finally agreed to hold a summit on December 9 in Paris in an attempt to resume the long-stalled negotiations over the future of eastern Ukraine. Moscow had delayed agreeing to a date, and even now continues its attempts to set the summit’s terms. Meanwhile, complex discussions are under way between Kyiv and Moscow on the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine after the present con- tract expires at the end of the year. With Gazprom making proposals that Naftogaz finds unacceptable, the cur- rent negotiations are stalled. Much of the discussion in the media in Kyiv is about what can be expected from the Normandy Four summit. Will Irene Rejent Saviano the Ukrainian president be able to Hierarchs and clergy lead the panakhyda service. stand his ground when he finally meets Russian President Vladimir UCCA lowed by Holodomor survivor Nadia following the lead of Ms. Severyn and indi- Putin face to face, especially if the Severyn, who was escorted by her grand- vidually laying a stalk of wheat on a table NEW YORK – Ukrainian Americans gath- German and French leaders do not son, Bill Wieting. -
Nove Pravosuddya Justice Sector Reform Program (New Justice)
NOVE PRAVOSUDDYA JUSTICE SECTOR REFORM PROGRAM (NEW JUSTICE) Quarterly Performance Report October – December 2019 Contract No.: AID-OAA-I-13-00032 Task Order No.: AID-121-TO-16-00003 Prepared for USAID/Ukraine C/O American Embassy 4 Igor Sikorsky St., Kyiv, Ukraine 04112 Prepared by Chemonics International Inc. 1717 H Street, NW Washington, DC 20006 Table of Contents I. ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS 3 II. CONTEXT UPDATE 4 III. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 5 IV. KEY NARRATIVE ACHIEVEMENT 13 OBJECTIVE 1: JUDICIAL INDEPENDENCE AND SELF GOVERNANCE STRENGTHENED 13 OBJECTIVE 2: ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY OF THE JUDICIARY TO CITIZENS AND THE RULE OF LAW INCREASED 18 OBJECTIVE 3: ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE ENHANCED 20 OBJECTIVE 4: QUALITY OF LEGAL EDUCATION STRENGTHENED 23 OBJECTIVE 5: ACCESS TO JUSTICE EXPANDED AND HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTED 28 V. PROGRESS AGAINST TARGETS 33 VI. PERFORMANCE MONITORING, EVALUATION AND LEARNING 35 VII. LESSONS LEARNED 37 VIII. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING 38 IX. PROGRESS ON LINKS TO OTHER ACTIVITIES 39 X. PROGRESS ON LINKS TO HOST GOVERNMENT 40 XI. PROGRESS ON INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT 41 XII. FINANCIAL INFORMATION 42 XIII. GRANTS AND SUBCONTRACTS 43 XIV. ACTIVITY ADMINISTRATION 44 XV. ATTACHMENTS 46 A. List of Deliverables 46 B. Public Outreach Documents 48 C. Performance Data Table 49 D. Grants and Subcontracts Table 77 E. Future Activities Table 87 F. Milestones Progress Report 89 G. Counterparts and Beneficiaries Actively Involved in the Project 173 G. Success Story 209 2 I. ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ADR Alternative Dispute Resolution -
About the International Renaissance Foundation
2006 About the International Renaissance Foundation An open society is a society based on the recognition of the fact that no one has a monopoly on the truth, that diff erent people have diff erent views and interests, that good arguments should be heard by society and that there is a need for institutions open to striving toward perfection, defending the rights of all peo- ple and giving them a chance to live together in peace and accord. Th e term “open society” was introduced by the philosopher Karl Popper in his book “Th e Open Society and Its Enemies” published in 1945. Th e main traits of an open society include the rule of law, a democratically elected government, institutions of civil society and protection of minority rights. Th e International Renaissance Foundation (IRF) has been active since 1990. It is an integral part of the Open Society In- stitute foundation network established by George Soros and incorporates national and regional foundations in more than thirty countries around the world, primarily in Central and Eastern Europe and in the former Soviet Union. Th e Founda- tion sees its mission in the fi nancial and institutional promotion of the building of an open democratic society in Ukraine by supporting civil initiatives vital for its development. Th e funds operated by IRF are mainly granted by its founder George Soros. Th e Foundation also relies on international donors and various Ukrainian and foreign organizations and individuals. Both the transparency of the Foundation’s spon- sorship and charitable activities and an understanding of its importance contribute to funds granted by IRF for building an open, democratic society being distributed by the society’s members represented in IRF’s Executive Board and Program Boards themselves. -
Ukrainian Armed Forces
June 23, 2021 Ukrainian Armed Forces In 2014, the Ukrainian military, which observers noted had lower (around 2.5% of GDP). Ukraine’s 2021 defense been weakened by years of neglect and underfunding, faced budget is 117.6 billion hryvnia ($4.2 billion), 127 million Russia’s occupation of Ukraine’s Crimea region and hryvnia ($4.6 million) less than 2020’s budget. invasion of eastern Ukraine. Since that time, the Ukrainian Additionally, Ukraine’s defense budget allocations are split armed forces have made considerable improvements; they between funds necessary to maintain the military and funds have undertaken efforts to adopt NATO standards and to support its ambitious reform program. received significant NATO and U.S. assistance. Many of these reforms began out of the experience of defending Ukraine inherited a sprawling defense industry from the against Russian aggression. Reforms range from the tactical Soviet Union, producing a wide range of products, to the strategic levels and include both political measures including tanks and armored vehicles, aircraft, radars and (e.g., increasing transparency, countering corruption, and electronics, missiles, and ships. Defense conglomerate ensuring civilian control over the military) and military Ukroboronprom oversees the defense industry, which reforms (e.g., modernizing equipment, reforming command comprises over 130 state-run companies. In recent years, and control, and increasing professionalization). Ukrainian officials have made reforming Ukroboronprom and increasing transparency key goals, including passing a Significant hurdles remain, however, and the reform new law, On Defense Procurement, in July 2020 to process is complicated by Ukraine’s Soviet legacy, the implement NATO standards in defense procurement. -
State and Civil Society After the 2019 Elections
EU PROJECT FOR CIVIL SOCIETY DEVELOPMENT IN UKRAINE STATE AND CIVIL SOCIETY AFTER THE 2019 ELECTIONS Orysia Lutsevych, Consultant Context: This analysis aims to contribute ideas to the improvement of state and civil society cooperation in Ukraine after the electoral cycle of 2019. Two watershed elections – the presidential elections in April 2019 and the parliamentary elections in July 2019 – led to a complete overhaul of the political system in Ukraine. There are some important new factors that will determine the new leadership’s interaction with civil society: President Zelenskyy has the first ever single-party control across the legislative and executive branches in the history of independent Ukraine. He has an opportunity to demonstrate political leadership and ownership of reforms. With 254 MPs out of 450, Zelenskyy has formed a majority government without a coalition partner. At this stage, the parliament is not a strong player: as most laws are drafted and proposed by the office of the president. For the first time, the institution of the president has a much higher level of public trust than civil society organisations (CSOs). This creates a new dynamic in the relationship. After 100 days in office Zelenskyy was fully or mostly trusted by almost 70 per cent of Ukrainians, and the majority trusted that the president would deliver1. Meanwhile, trust in CSOs for driving reforms dropped from 24 per cent in 2018 to 9 per cent in 20192. This is the first time in the history of independent Ukraine that a president has enjoyed such a high level of trust in his ability to deliver change. -
The Ukrainian Weekly, 2020
INSIDE: l State in a Smartphone app is launched – page 3 l ‘Peripheral Visions’ exhibit by the Yurchuks – page 11 l Community: Alberta, New York, New Jersey – pages 16-17 THEPublished U by theKRAINIAN Ukrainian National Association, Inc., celebrating W its 125th anniversaryEEKLY Vol. LXXXVIII No. 7 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2020 $2.00 NEWS ANALYSIS Yermak replaces Bohdan Zelenskyy, with Yermak in new role, as the head of Presidential Office emphasizes continuity in foreign policy by Bohdan Nahaylo understood that it is necessary to change the Minsk accords of 2014-2015 because KYIV – When President Volodymyr they are not working, and he sensed that Zelenskyy fired the controversial head of even “Russia is preparing to think this his Presidential Office, Andriy Bohdan, and over.” This recognition of “Minsk flexibility” replaced him with Andriy Yermak, a non- was a step forward. In his view, the staff close adviser who has become increas- achieve ment of peace remains the goal, for ingly influential in recent months, the move in the end it will be not about winners and suggested a change in style and approach in losers but “a victory for everyone.” the domestic sphere. But the appointment Turning from the Donbas to Crimea, also reaffirmed Mr. Yermak’s position as the President Zelenskyy acknowledged that Ukrainian president’s chief negotiator with this issue was “even more complicated.” He the Kremlin and his stewardship over added cryptically: “But we are also working Ukraine’s foreign policy in general. on it. I cannot say more so far.” On the same day as the personnel The following day, at his first press con- change in Kyiv, Moscow confirmed that ference as head of the Presidential Office, or Dmitry Kozak had replaced Vladyslav chief of staff, Mr. -
The Ukrainian Weekly, 2019
INSIDE: UWC leadership meets with Zelenskyy – page 3 Lomachenko adds WBC title to his collection – page 15 Ukrainian Independence Day celebrations – pages 16-17 THEPublished U by theKRAINIAN Ukrainian National Association, Inc., celebrating W its 125th anniversaryEEKLY Vol. LXXXVII No. 36 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2019 $2.00 Trump considers suspension of military aid Zelenskyy team takes charge to Ukraine, angering U.S. lawmakers as new Rada begins its work RFE/RL delay. Unless, of course, he’s yet again act- ing at the behest of his favorite Russian dic- U.S. President Donald Trump is consid- tator & good friend, Putin,” the Illinois sena- ering blocking $250 million in military aid tor tweeted. to Ukraine, Western media reported, rais- Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.), a member of ing objections from lawmakers of both U.S. the House Foreign Affairs Committee, tweet- political parties. ed that “This is unacceptable. It was wrong Citing senior administration officials, when [President Barack] Obama failed to Politico and Reuters reported that Mr. stand up to [Russian President Vladimir] Trump had ordered a reassessment of the Putin in Ukraine, and it’s wrong now.” aid program that Kyiv uses to battle Russia- The administration officials said chances backed separatists in eastern Ukraine. are that the money will be allocated as The review is to “ensure the money is usual but that the determination will not be being used in the best interest of the United made until the review is completed and Mr. States,” Politico said on August 28, and Trump makes a final decision. -
The Sondland-Volker Texts, Contextualized by Jeremy Venook
Timeline: The Sondland-Volker Texts, Contextualized By Jeremy Venook After the administration blocked his initially scheduled appearance, U.S. Ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland is now reportedly set to testify before the House under subpoena. Prior to his appointment, Sondland, like President Donald Trump, was a hotel developer with no known foreign policy experience or expertise. Moreover, Ukraine is not a part of the European Union, which means it falls outside of his purview as ambassador to the EU. So why was Sondland such a key player in President Trump’s shadow Ukraine agenda? Text messages released by the House Intelligence, Oversight, and Foreign Affairs Committees show that Sondland, at times, personally directed other State Department officials in executing Trump’s extortion scheme, which sought a politically motivated investigation into former Vice President Joe Biden’s family. Sondland also appears to have been intimately involved in drafting a statement for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky about the opening of that investigation to ensure it met the president’s standards. The text messages are damning in their own right and only become more so when viewed in the context of the president’s pressure campaign against Ukraine. The timeline below illustrates how the president circumvented the national security establishment to extort a foreign government for personal political gain—and that Sondland not only helped him do it but also helped him try to cover it up. NOTE: Messages released by the House appear below in normal font. Commentary on those texts appear in bold. Significant outside events appear in red. -
ENGLISH Original: RUSSIAN
The OSCE Secretariat bears no responsibility for the content of this document PC.DEL/58/20 and circulates it without altering its content. The distribution by OSCE 23 January 2020 Conference Services of this document is without prejudice to OSCE decisions, as set out in documents agreed by OSCE participating States. ENGLISH Original: RUSSIAN Delegation of the Russian Federation STATEMENT BY MR. ALEXANDER LUKASHEVICH, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION, AT THE 1256th MEETING OF THE OSCE PERMANENT COUNCIL 23 January 2020 On the situation in Ukraine and the need to implement the Minsk agreements Mr. Chairperson, On 20 and 21 January, the Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE, Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama, visited Ukraine, including Donbas. We believe it is extremely important to send clear signals to the Ukrainian leadership regarding the need for the Minsk agreements to be implemented as quickly as possible and also for the Ukrainian Government to fulfil its OSCE commitments. We regret that the Chairperson-in-Office failed to take up the invitation from the representatives of certain areas of Donbas and visit the environs of Donetsk and Luhansk on the other side of the line of contact so as to see with his own eyes the humanitarian consequences of the Ukrainian Government’s military operation in the region. The ceasefire regime in Donbas is not being fully respected. Over the past week, the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) recorded over 5,000 violations. The movement of Ukrainian offensive military equipment is not helping to reduce tensions. For example, the SMM reported having spotted on 16 January 14 large-calibre multiple-launch rocket systems – eight 220 mm BM-27 Uragan systems and six 300 mm BM-30 Smerch systems – at weapons storage sites close to where the Ukrainian Government’s military operation is taking place in the Donetsk region. -
Ukraine (Draft Report Circulated on 24 November 2017 During the Ad-Referendum Period)
United Nations A/HRC/WG.6/28/L.13 General Assembly Distr.: Limited 23 November 2017 Original: English UNEDITED VERSION Human Rights Council Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review Twenty-eighth session Geneva, 6-17 November 2017 Draft report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review* Ukraine * The annex to the present report is circulated as received. GE. A/HRC/WG.6/28/L.13 Contents Page Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 3 I Summary of the proceedings of the review process ......................................................................... 3 A. Presentation by the State under review .................................................................................... 3 B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review ................................................. 5 II. Conclusions and/or recommendations .............................................................................................. 13 Annex Composition of the delegation ......................................................................................................... 26 2 A/HRC/WG.6/28/L.13 Introduction 1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, held its twenty-eighth session from 6 to 17 November 2017. The review of Ukraine was held at the 15th meeting on 15 November 2017. The delegation of Ukraine was headed by the Deputy Minister