This document provides a summary and analysis of media laws and freedom in Ukraine. It notes that while Ukraine aims to adopt democratic principles including media freedom, attacks on journalists have increased in recent years. This has caused the EU to doubt Ukraine's commitment to democracy as it seeks EU membership. The document evaluates Ukraine's media laws and protection of press freedom, finding weaknesses. It recommends steps for Ukraine to strengthen media freedom in order to comply with EU standards and better protect journalists.
European Council on Foreign relations Policy Memory Ukraine after the Timoshe...Fund for Good Politics
The trial and sentencing of former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko generated criticism and placed agreements between Ukraine and the EU in doubt. The memo argues the EU should pursue a dual approach: keep the agreements alive but don't formally sign them until Ukraine meets democratic standards, while also imposing sanctions on those responsible for democratic backsliding. President Yanukovych has rolled back democracy in Ukraine to consolidate power through tactics like tax intimidation and abusive trials of political opponents including Tymoshenko. The EU needs to both maintain pressure through red lines and sanctions, while also keeping agreements that matter for Ukraine's long term reform.
Asylum Procedures in the EU_A Method in the Madness_by Elisabeth VosElisabeth Vos LL.M.
This document is a thesis that analyzes whether Article 23(1) of the EU Procedures Directive, which restricts the scope of legal representation for asylum applicants, is consistent with the fundamental right to an effective remedy.
The thesis begins by outlining the legal context of the right to an effective remedy under international, European, and EU law. It then discusses the Common European Asylum System and the EU Procedures Directive, focusing on Article 23(1) which leaves discretion to Member States regarding legal assistance.
The thesis will then analyze Article 23(1) to determine if it restricts fundamental rights and ensure effective judicial protection. It will assess the impact of Member State discretion and the potential threats
Human Rights Practices for 2015 UkraineАндрій Пізнюк
1) Separatists in eastern Ukraine committed widespread human rights abuses such as abductions, torture, unlawful detention and restricted humanitarian aid. The conflict has resulted in over 9,000 deaths and more than two million people have fled the region.
2) In Crimea, Russian occupation authorities committed human rights abuses targeting Crimean Tatars and others opposing the occupation. More than 20,000 Crimeans have been displaced.
3) Ukraine suffers from corruption, deficiencies in justice, and a climate of impunity as authorities generally fail to prosecute officials who commit abuses. Investigations into human rights crimes remain incomplete.
Human Rights Watch letter to Hrvp Federica Mogherini on AzerbaijanLuca Rinaldi
La lettera inviata da Human Rights Watch all'Alto Rappresentante Ue Federica Mogherini in vista della prima edizione dei Giochi Olimpici Europei che si terranno in Azerbaijan dal 12 al 24 giugno.
Report on the human rights situation in Ukraine 15 May 2014DonbassFullAccess
The present report is based on the findings of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU)1 covering the period of 2 April - 6 May 2014. It follows the first report on the human rights situation in Ukraine released by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on 15 April 2014.
The document is a report summarizing the monitoring of political and civil rights and freedoms in Ukraine from 2014-2018. Some key findings include:
- Legislative changes have been introduced to limit freedoms of speech, association, and assembly, including language quotas for Ukrainian on TV and radio, and bans on Russian media.
- Independent media and journalists expressing alternative views face pressure from regulators, law enforcement, and nationalist groups.
- Violations of rights and freedoms of minorities like journalists, religious groups, and opposition parties have occurred, with little accountability.
- Upcoming 2019 elections are an important time to increase attention on the situation of political rights and freedoms in Ukraine.
The document summarizes Amnesty International's failure to include an independent chapter on Kosovo in its 2010 annual report. It republishes the section on Kosovo that was incorporated into the chapter on Serbia instead. This section outlines human rights issues in Kosovo such as discrimination against minorities, inter-ethnic violence, and the trials of those accused of war crimes during the Kosovo conflict. It also discusses concerns around enforced disappearances, torture, and the forcible return of refugees. The author criticizes AI's decision not to recognize Kosovo as an independent state in its report.
European Council on Foreign relations Policy Memory Ukraine after the Timoshe...Fund for Good Politics
The trial and sentencing of former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko generated criticism and placed agreements between Ukraine and the EU in doubt. The memo argues the EU should pursue a dual approach: keep the agreements alive but don't formally sign them until Ukraine meets democratic standards, while also imposing sanctions on those responsible for democratic backsliding. President Yanukovych has rolled back democracy in Ukraine to consolidate power through tactics like tax intimidation and abusive trials of political opponents including Tymoshenko. The EU needs to both maintain pressure through red lines and sanctions, while also keeping agreements that matter for Ukraine's long term reform.
Asylum Procedures in the EU_A Method in the Madness_by Elisabeth VosElisabeth Vos LL.M.
This document is a thesis that analyzes whether Article 23(1) of the EU Procedures Directive, which restricts the scope of legal representation for asylum applicants, is consistent with the fundamental right to an effective remedy.
The thesis begins by outlining the legal context of the right to an effective remedy under international, European, and EU law. It then discusses the Common European Asylum System and the EU Procedures Directive, focusing on Article 23(1) which leaves discretion to Member States regarding legal assistance.
The thesis will then analyze Article 23(1) to determine if it restricts fundamental rights and ensure effective judicial protection. It will assess the impact of Member State discretion and the potential threats
Human Rights Practices for 2015 UkraineАндрій Пізнюк
1) Separatists in eastern Ukraine committed widespread human rights abuses such as abductions, torture, unlawful detention and restricted humanitarian aid. The conflict has resulted in over 9,000 deaths and more than two million people have fled the region.
2) In Crimea, Russian occupation authorities committed human rights abuses targeting Crimean Tatars and others opposing the occupation. More than 20,000 Crimeans have been displaced.
3) Ukraine suffers from corruption, deficiencies in justice, and a climate of impunity as authorities generally fail to prosecute officials who commit abuses. Investigations into human rights crimes remain incomplete.
Human Rights Watch letter to Hrvp Federica Mogherini on AzerbaijanLuca Rinaldi
La lettera inviata da Human Rights Watch all'Alto Rappresentante Ue Federica Mogherini in vista della prima edizione dei Giochi Olimpici Europei che si terranno in Azerbaijan dal 12 al 24 giugno.
Report on the human rights situation in Ukraine 15 May 2014DonbassFullAccess
The present report is based on the findings of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU)1 covering the period of 2 April - 6 May 2014. It follows the first report on the human rights situation in Ukraine released by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on 15 April 2014.
The document is a report summarizing the monitoring of political and civil rights and freedoms in Ukraine from 2014-2018. Some key findings include:
- Legislative changes have been introduced to limit freedoms of speech, association, and assembly, including language quotas for Ukrainian on TV and radio, and bans on Russian media.
- Independent media and journalists expressing alternative views face pressure from regulators, law enforcement, and nationalist groups.
- Violations of rights and freedoms of minorities like journalists, religious groups, and opposition parties have occurred, with little accountability.
- Upcoming 2019 elections are an important time to increase attention on the situation of political rights and freedoms in Ukraine.
The document summarizes Amnesty International's failure to include an independent chapter on Kosovo in its 2010 annual report. It republishes the section on Kosovo that was incorporated into the chapter on Serbia instead. This section outlines human rights issues in Kosovo such as discrimination against minorities, inter-ethnic violence, and the trials of those accused of war crimes during the Kosovo conflict. It also discusses concerns around enforced disappearances, torture, and the forcible return of refugees. The author criticizes AI's decision not to recognize Kosovo as an independent state in its report.
Essay on why Kemalism can be seen as the reason for the European Union not to accept Turkey in its institution. Based on sex discrimination and human rights, established in the Treaty of the European Union and the Treaty of the Functioning of the European Union.
The document summarizes Amnesty International's report on policing of candlelight protests in South Korea against the resumption of US beef imports in 2008. Some key points:
1) The protests began in May 2008 and continued for months, with tens of thousands participating at times to voice opposition to US beef and other policies.
2) While mostly peaceful, there were sporadic clashes between riot police and some violent protesters. Police used methods like water cannons, fire extinguishers and beatings that amounted to unnecessary or excessive force.
3) Amnesty documented arbitrary arrests and detentions, lack of police accountability, and failures to ensure medical care for detainees, which violated international standards.
Venezuela has a multi-party system led by the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela since 1999. The main opposition coalition is the Democratic Unity Roundtable, founded in 2008, which includes several centrist and left-leaning parties. Venezuela's head of state is President Nicolás Maduro, who succeeded Hugo Chávez after his death in 2013. There are conflicts between the government and other institutions like the Catholic Church and opposition-led local governments.
Hungary, soon 10 years in the European Union!Arnold Stellio
During these three months in Budapest to demonstrate the interest that you wear to the country and the city where we live, we'll focus on the results that is Hungary ago its integration into the European Union.
Equality in the European Union, 2015
Gender equality is a vital aspect of the European integration process. Although specific legislation concerning gender issues was included in the establishing Treaties, in the Charter of fundamental rights and in a dozen other directives, non-discriminatory principle has also been strengthened by the jurisdiction of the Court of Justice of the European Union which formed a judgment in more than 200 cases. Nowadays, the EU equality legislation has moved far beyond basic gender issues, and this is also discussed in the article. It focuses not only on the fundamentals of EU legislation concerning gender equality but also on the level of its implementation and its most important limitations. Such considerations are broadened by a discussion on the EU actions which may be also treated as the implementation of non-discriminatory legislation.
Regional Gap Analyses of Institutional Migration Management Capacities in Ukr...Europe without barriers
The study on migration mangement and migration situation in Ukraine, conducted by Ukrainian analysts within the project "Strengthening Migration Management and Cooperation on Readmission in Eastern Europe (MIGRECO)"
The document provides information on the new European Commission for 2014-2019, including biographies of key members. Jean-Claude Juncker is the new President of the European Commission. He has nominated 7 Vice Presidents, including Frans Timmermans, Federica Mogherini, and Kristalina Georgieva. The document also summarizes the backgrounds and responsibilities of the other 27 Commissioners from across EU member states.
This document examines barriers to accessing international protection for asylum seekers in Greece. It finds that the backlog procedure for asylum applications submitted before 2013 continues to have deficiencies, including a lack of information provided to asylum seekers about the status of their long-pending applications. Further, appeal committees responsible for reviewing rejected applications have been inactive for long periods, and there is a legal gap between the backlog procedure and new regional asylum office system.
Nationalist Populism and Illiberalism in HungaryAntal Attila
This document summarizes a lecture given by Attila Antal on nationalist populism and illiberalism in Hungary. The lecture covered:
1. The historical and political context behind nationalist-populist regimes in Eastern Europe, including failures of liberal democracy and neoliberalism.
2. The political theories that inform Viktor Orbán's regime in Hungary, drawing from Carl Schmitt's work on the political and concepts like leader democracy.
3. How Orbán established and stabilized an "illiberal democracy" system in Hungary from 2010 onward through constitutional changes, new electoral laws, and the creation of permanent enemies.
4. Potential responses from the EU through mechanisms like the EU Rule
This document discusses EU migration policy and is presented by Donatella Candura. It summarizes that the EU population was 497.4 million in 2008, with 30.8 million foreigners living in EU countries. It distinguishes between legal immigrants, illegal immigrants, and asylum seekers, and outlines the different policies and approaches the EU takes toward each group. It also discusses the challenges of developing a common EU migration policy and efforts toward harmonization of national policies.
The paper shows insight into the Polish response to the elections to the European Parliament held in 1979. It focuses on the opinions presented by journalists in the Polish press, and
also highlights the response of the Ministry of the Interior of the Polish People’s Republic to the
EEC’s political unification process announced after 1975. The paper also presents the response
of the public in the EEC ‘nine’ to the important event that the elections to the European Parliament were
Raporti Mbi Shqiperine ... Raport Su AlbaniaAleks Sandro
The document summarizes political and civil liberties in Albania according to a 2009 report by Freedom House. It describes Albania as a parliamentary democracy with two dominant political parties. However, elections are only partly free due to issues like fraud. Corruption is widespread. While freedoms of expression, religion, and association are generally respected, the media faces intimidation and pressure from powerful political and business interests. The judiciary is inefficient and subject to political influence.
Political reforms and migration situation: regulation mobility crossroad in EaPEurope without barriers
This document analyzes political reforms and changes in Ukraine, Georgia, and Armenia relating to migration regulation and their progress towards visa-free travel with the EU. It discusses issues like internally displaced persons, asylum seekers, labor migration trends, and irregular migration in each country. Ukraine made progress implementing its visa liberalization action plan but still faces challenges around migration policy and laws. Georgia established a migration management system with EU support and is working towards visa-free travel by late 2015. Armenia implemented EU agreements on visas and readmission and continues work under its mobility partnership.
Politburo 2.0: Can Putin's Inner Circle Survive the Crisis?Olga Kuzmina
The document discusses Putin's inner circle known as "Politburo 2.0". It provides the following key points:
1. Politburo 2.0 functions as an informal network structure without formal meetings, where members offer management schemes within their areas of competence and redistribute resources to preserve stable elite groups.
2. Putin maintains personal control over key sectors like energy, defense, and law enforcement, while domestic politics and other areas are distributed among Politburo 2.0 members.
3. The influence of Dmitry Medvedev and Igor Sechin, former opposing figures, has diminished, while other members like Sergei Shoigu, Sergei Ivanov, and the Rotenbergs
Politburo 2.0: Can Putin's Inner Circle Survive the Crisis?Olga Kuzmina
1) Politburo 2.0 functions as an informal network of Putin's inner circle who distribute sectors of management without formal meetings.
2) Key members remain decision makers in government through staff turnover, preserving stable elite groups' governance.
3) Putin personally controls energy, foreign policy, defense, and law enforcement, while others oversee domestic politics, social policy, finance, and infrastructure.
Presentation by freedom house's karin deutsch karlekar on media freedom 21-...gordana comic
The document analyzes trends in media freedom across countries in the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) based on Freedom House's annual assessments over 32 years, finding concerns over declining press freedom in some established democracies as well as severe restrictions in countries like Russia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, and calls for reforms to laws and increased diplomatic pressure on governments limiting media freedom.
The Committee to Protect Journalists found that the number of journalists imprisoned worldwide reached a record high of 232 in 2012, surpassing the previous record of 185 in 1996. Turkey, Iran, and China were the three worst jailers, largely imprisoning journalists on vague anti-state charges related to terrorism or dissent. Overall, governments are increasingly using anti-state laws to silence critical voices in the media.
This report on the observance of political and civil rights and freedoms in Ukraine in 2018 was prepared by the "Uspishna Varta" Ukrainian human rights platform.
The report is based on the monitoring of the observance of key political rights and freedoms, namely:
● The right to freedom of speech and opinion
Article 34 of the Constitution of Ukraine, Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, and Article 18, 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
● The right to freedom of thought
Article 35 of the Constitution of Ukraine, Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
● The right to freedom of association
Article 36-37 of the Constitution of Ukraine; Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, and Article 22 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
● The right to freedom of assembly
Article 39 of the Constitution of Ukraine; Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, and Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
● The right to political participation
Article 38 of the Constitution of Ukraine, Article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The monitoring assesses the observance of rights and freedoms in the territory controlled by the government of Ukraine. The human rights platform "Uspishna Varta" has no mandate to operate on the territories of Crimea and Donbass that are not under the control of the government of Ukraine to make an objective assessment of the human rights situation in these territories.
In the framework of the report there is analysis of legislative regulation and law enforcement practices in the context of government policy, as well as the status of social respect for these rights and freedoms in Ukraine in 2018.
The report is based on data obtained by the human rights platform "Uspishna Varta" through conducting detailed interviews with victims and witnesses of human rights violations and infringements, experts and human rights defenders, as well as through carrying out activities to assist in the protection of human rights in documented cases. Among them - the monitoring of trials, the advocacy of work with the duty bearers on the observance of human rights, non-governmental organizations, and the media.In addition, the report uses data collected by other non-governmental organizations and the media.
The Republic of Finland is located in Northern Europe, bordered by Sweden, Norway and Russia. Helsinki is its capital. Finland has a population of 5.4 million within its total area of 338,145 sq km. The official languages are Finnish and Swedish. Finland adopted the euro currency in 2002 and joined the European Union in 1995. It has a parliamentary system of government led by a prime minister. The largest economic sectors are services, manufacturing and forestry industries.
This document provides a lesson about the skin and its role as the sense organ of touch. It discusses how the skin covers and protects the entire body, and allows us to feel pain, warmth, cold, textures whether things are rough, smooth or slippery. It notes that some parts of the body are more sensitive than others. The skin also helps regulate body temperature through sweating. Proper care of the skin includes washing hands, bathing, and eating a diet rich in vitamin C.
Essay on why Kemalism can be seen as the reason for the European Union not to accept Turkey in its institution. Based on sex discrimination and human rights, established in the Treaty of the European Union and the Treaty of the Functioning of the European Union.
The document summarizes Amnesty International's report on policing of candlelight protests in South Korea against the resumption of US beef imports in 2008. Some key points:
1) The protests began in May 2008 and continued for months, with tens of thousands participating at times to voice opposition to US beef and other policies.
2) While mostly peaceful, there were sporadic clashes between riot police and some violent protesters. Police used methods like water cannons, fire extinguishers and beatings that amounted to unnecessary or excessive force.
3) Amnesty documented arbitrary arrests and detentions, lack of police accountability, and failures to ensure medical care for detainees, which violated international standards.
Venezuela has a multi-party system led by the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela since 1999. The main opposition coalition is the Democratic Unity Roundtable, founded in 2008, which includes several centrist and left-leaning parties. Venezuela's head of state is President Nicolás Maduro, who succeeded Hugo Chávez after his death in 2013. There are conflicts between the government and other institutions like the Catholic Church and opposition-led local governments.
Hungary, soon 10 years in the European Union!Arnold Stellio
During these three months in Budapest to demonstrate the interest that you wear to the country and the city where we live, we'll focus on the results that is Hungary ago its integration into the European Union.
Equality in the European Union, 2015
Gender equality is a vital aspect of the European integration process. Although specific legislation concerning gender issues was included in the establishing Treaties, in the Charter of fundamental rights and in a dozen other directives, non-discriminatory principle has also been strengthened by the jurisdiction of the Court of Justice of the European Union which formed a judgment in more than 200 cases. Nowadays, the EU equality legislation has moved far beyond basic gender issues, and this is also discussed in the article. It focuses not only on the fundamentals of EU legislation concerning gender equality but also on the level of its implementation and its most important limitations. Such considerations are broadened by a discussion on the EU actions which may be also treated as the implementation of non-discriminatory legislation.
Regional Gap Analyses of Institutional Migration Management Capacities in Ukr...Europe without barriers
The study on migration mangement and migration situation in Ukraine, conducted by Ukrainian analysts within the project "Strengthening Migration Management and Cooperation on Readmission in Eastern Europe (MIGRECO)"
The document provides information on the new European Commission for 2014-2019, including biographies of key members. Jean-Claude Juncker is the new President of the European Commission. He has nominated 7 Vice Presidents, including Frans Timmermans, Federica Mogherini, and Kristalina Georgieva. The document also summarizes the backgrounds and responsibilities of the other 27 Commissioners from across EU member states.
This document examines barriers to accessing international protection for asylum seekers in Greece. It finds that the backlog procedure for asylum applications submitted before 2013 continues to have deficiencies, including a lack of information provided to asylum seekers about the status of their long-pending applications. Further, appeal committees responsible for reviewing rejected applications have been inactive for long periods, and there is a legal gap between the backlog procedure and new regional asylum office system.
Nationalist Populism and Illiberalism in HungaryAntal Attila
This document summarizes a lecture given by Attila Antal on nationalist populism and illiberalism in Hungary. The lecture covered:
1. The historical and political context behind nationalist-populist regimes in Eastern Europe, including failures of liberal democracy and neoliberalism.
2. The political theories that inform Viktor Orbán's regime in Hungary, drawing from Carl Schmitt's work on the political and concepts like leader democracy.
3. How Orbán established and stabilized an "illiberal democracy" system in Hungary from 2010 onward through constitutional changes, new electoral laws, and the creation of permanent enemies.
4. Potential responses from the EU through mechanisms like the EU Rule
This document discusses EU migration policy and is presented by Donatella Candura. It summarizes that the EU population was 497.4 million in 2008, with 30.8 million foreigners living in EU countries. It distinguishes between legal immigrants, illegal immigrants, and asylum seekers, and outlines the different policies and approaches the EU takes toward each group. It also discusses the challenges of developing a common EU migration policy and efforts toward harmonization of national policies.
The paper shows insight into the Polish response to the elections to the European Parliament held in 1979. It focuses on the opinions presented by journalists in the Polish press, and
also highlights the response of the Ministry of the Interior of the Polish People’s Republic to the
EEC’s political unification process announced after 1975. The paper also presents the response
of the public in the EEC ‘nine’ to the important event that the elections to the European Parliament were
Raporti Mbi Shqiperine ... Raport Su AlbaniaAleks Sandro
The document summarizes political and civil liberties in Albania according to a 2009 report by Freedom House. It describes Albania as a parliamentary democracy with two dominant political parties. However, elections are only partly free due to issues like fraud. Corruption is widespread. While freedoms of expression, religion, and association are generally respected, the media faces intimidation and pressure from powerful political and business interests. The judiciary is inefficient and subject to political influence.
Political reforms and migration situation: regulation mobility crossroad in EaPEurope without barriers
This document analyzes political reforms and changes in Ukraine, Georgia, and Armenia relating to migration regulation and their progress towards visa-free travel with the EU. It discusses issues like internally displaced persons, asylum seekers, labor migration trends, and irregular migration in each country. Ukraine made progress implementing its visa liberalization action plan but still faces challenges around migration policy and laws. Georgia established a migration management system with EU support and is working towards visa-free travel by late 2015. Armenia implemented EU agreements on visas and readmission and continues work under its mobility partnership.
Politburo 2.0: Can Putin's Inner Circle Survive the Crisis?Olga Kuzmina
The document discusses Putin's inner circle known as "Politburo 2.0". It provides the following key points:
1. Politburo 2.0 functions as an informal network structure without formal meetings, where members offer management schemes within their areas of competence and redistribute resources to preserve stable elite groups.
2. Putin maintains personal control over key sectors like energy, defense, and law enforcement, while domestic politics and other areas are distributed among Politburo 2.0 members.
3. The influence of Dmitry Medvedev and Igor Sechin, former opposing figures, has diminished, while other members like Sergei Shoigu, Sergei Ivanov, and the Rotenbergs
Politburo 2.0: Can Putin's Inner Circle Survive the Crisis?Olga Kuzmina
1) Politburo 2.0 functions as an informal network of Putin's inner circle who distribute sectors of management without formal meetings.
2) Key members remain decision makers in government through staff turnover, preserving stable elite groups' governance.
3) Putin personally controls energy, foreign policy, defense, and law enforcement, while others oversee domestic politics, social policy, finance, and infrastructure.
Presentation by freedom house's karin deutsch karlekar on media freedom 21-...gordana comic
The document analyzes trends in media freedom across countries in the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) based on Freedom House's annual assessments over 32 years, finding concerns over declining press freedom in some established democracies as well as severe restrictions in countries like Russia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, and calls for reforms to laws and increased diplomatic pressure on governments limiting media freedom.
The Committee to Protect Journalists found that the number of journalists imprisoned worldwide reached a record high of 232 in 2012, surpassing the previous record of 185 in 1996. Turkey, Iran, and China were the three worst jailers, largely imprisoning journalists on vague anti-state charges related to terrorism or dissent. Overall, governments are increasingly using anti-state laws to silence critical voices in the media.
This report on the observance of political and civil rights and freedoms in Ukraine in 2018 was prepared by the "Uspishna Varta" Ukrainian human rights platform.
The report is based on the monitoring of the observance of key political rights and freedoms, namely:
● The right to freedom of speech and opinion
Article 34 of the Constitution of Ukraine, Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, and Article 18, 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
● The right to freedom of thought
Article 35 of the Constitution of Ukraine, Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
● The right to freedom of association
Article 36-37 of the Constitution of Ukraine; Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, and Article 22 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
● The right to freedom of assembly
Article 39 of the Constitution of Ukraine; Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, and Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
● The right to political participation
Article 38 of the Constitution of Ukraine, Article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The monitoring assesses the observance of rights and freedoms in the territory controlled by the government of Ukraine. The human rights platform "Uspishna Varta" has no mandate to operate on the territories of Crimea and Donbass that are not under the control of the government of Ukraine to make an objective assessment of the human rights situation in these territories.
In the framework of the report there is analysis of legislative regulation and law enforcement practices in the context of government policy, as well as the status of social respect for these rights and freedoms in Ukraine in 2018.
The report is based on data obtained by the human rights platform "Uspishna Varta" through conducting detailed interviews with victims and witnesses of human rights violations and infringements, experts and human rights defenders, as well as through carrying out activities to assist in the protection of human rights in documented cases. Among them - the monitoring of trials, the advocacy of work with the duty bearers on the observance of human rights, non-governmental organizations, and the media.In addition, the report uses data collected by other non-governmental organizations and the media.
The Republic of Finland is located in Northern Europe, bordered by Sweden, Norway and Russia. Helsinki is its capital. Finland has a population of 5.4 million within its total area of 338,145 sq km. The official languages are Finnish and Swedish. Finland adopted the euro currency in 2002 and joined the European Union in 1995. It has a parliamentary system of government led by a prime minister. The largest economic sectors are services, manufacturing and forestry industries.
This document provides a lesson about the skin and its role as the sense organ of touch. It discusses how the skin covers and protects the entire body, and allows us to feel pain, warmth, cold, textures whether things are rough, smooth or slippery. It notes that some parts of the body are more sensitive than others. The skin also helps regulate body temperature through sweating. Proper care of the skin includes washing hands, bathing, and eating a diet rich in vitamin C.
The document discusses the benefits of exercise for mental health. Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive functioning. Exercise causes chemical changes in the brain that may help protect against mental illness and improve symptoms.
Successful Investing in a Low Growth Economy: A Historical PerspectiveBen Esget
The U.S. economy has grown about 3.5% annually from the 17th century until the late 20th century. Most of American industry and wealth can be attributed to significant technological advancements starting in the Industrial Revolution. Over recent decades, productivity has significantly dropped off with some estimates of the economy growing at 1.8% annually.
Returns from innovation appear to be entering a period of stagnation. Although the causes and implications of such events remain in question, it has become increasingly vital for investors to analyze performance across similar environments in history to successfully navigate uncertain markets.
The document discusses assistive technology used in Quincy Public Schools. It describes how classrooms now have diverse students with varying needs, making the teacher's job very challenging. It shows pictures comparing past classrooms to modern classrooms that integrate technology. It asks questions about what Quincy's classrooms currently look like and if any students could benefit from assistive technologies. Examples are given of how technologies like word prediction and digital note taking can help struggling students. Resources for differentiating instruction with technology are also provided.
Technology for special needs (Assistive Technology)Ishtar Intino
Assistive technology can help individuals with disabilities access education, jobs, and fully participate in their communities. Devices such as wheelchairs, ramps, and computer software can provide independence with mobility, work, and learning. Assistive technology enables people with disabilities to enhance their quality of life and lead more independent lives in areas like education, employment, transportation, recreation, and daily living activities.
The document discusses the importance of networking and having an effective personal network. It defines a network as any system of interrelated people. It emphasizes that networks help people who are not close to each other to work together more efficiently. An effective personal network allows one to get things done and meet needs quicker by enabling you to help others who can then help you in return. The document encourages actively meeting new people, getting to know them, and offering help through asking "How can I help you?". It notes that many jobs and new business are obtained through personal referrals and networking.
This document provides guidance for getting started contributing to open source projects. It recommends starting small by modifying documentation or fixing bugs, then progressing to more complex tasks like refactoring code or adding new features. The overall message is that anyone can contribute to open source software regardless of experience level, and doing so allows one to become an open source contributor who helps shape the future of software development.
This document discusses how Web 2.0 tools like wikis, podcasting, and social networking can be used in school libraries. It explains that these tools allow for easy content creation, collaboration, and participation in knowledge sharing. Specific Web 2.0 applications mentioned include blogs, Twitter, wikis, podcasting, virtual conferencing, course management systems, and virtual sites with avatars. The document also provides examples of how these tools can be used and considerations for their implementation in libraries and classrooms.
The document discusses the parts and purposes of flowers and seeds. It explains that daisies growing in a hay field would be considered weeds by farmers because they take nutrients and space from crops. Weeds also reproduce quickly and spread seeds. The main parts of a seed are the embryo, which is the young plant, stored food to nourish the embryo, and a protective seed coat. Seeds are designed by God to produce new plants of the same kind.
Human Resources in Hotels faces two likely scenarios - evolving to become more important by adapting to changing needs, or being outsourced using technology. To evolve, HR must view itself as a leader and profit center by reducing costs like turnover and boosting productivity. Alternatively, HR may disappear if technology allows employees to process their own information. Current HR professionals must reduce inefficiencies and add value to survive.
Mrs. Arriola introduced the student teacher to the VII - Diamond Class on their first day of practicum. The first lesson was on using context clues, which included a discussion. The student teacher set up a projector with help and checked instructional materials before demonstrating. Mrs. Arriola observed the student teacher's final demo, which included board work, and they discussed it afterwards with the class.
Scott mc cormick float mobile learning_prototyping strategy_mlearncon 2012Scott McCormick
The document discusses strategies for implementing a mobile learning (mLearning) prototype. It explains that prototypes should be targeted, limited tools that simulate user experience without being fully functional. Prototyping is recommended because it allows managing costs and risks while getting buy-in earlier. Several prototyping options are presented, including using paper, PowerPoint, OmniGraffle, FieldTest, HTML/CSS, or iOS storyboards. Benefits of prototyping mentioned are that it is fast, easy, gets stakeholders involved sooner, and saves money while providing an understanding of look and feel.
American freedom defense_initiative_group_2_final paperUna Hrnjak
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Sis 645 report for the government of ukraine final hrnjak
1. Report for the Government of
Ukraine
Ukraine’s roadblock to the EU:attacks on the
press
Analysis by Una Hrnjak
SIS 645
Summer 2012
Submitted on: June 28, 2012
Executive Summary
Ukraine is a fairly new democratic republic, still transforming from a communist society
to adopting democratic principles. Since gaining its independence from the USSR, Ukrainian
leaders have expressed their deepest commitment to human rights – including media freedom.
Over the last decade however, the world has grown skeptical of Ukraine’s respect for the media,
causing organizations like the European Union to question Ukraine’s sincere commitment to
democracy and sincere interest in joining the Union. This report will review the Law of Ukraine
“On Printed Mass Media (Press) in Ukraine”, and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the
policy. The report will conclude by recommending steps for improvement of the policy to the
Government of Ukraine to not only help the government better protect freedom of speech and
expression but also to comply with EU mandates.
2. Introduction
Following the break-up of the USSR, Ukraine gained independence in 1991 and began its
transformation from a communist society to a democratic society; promoting a civil society and
human rights including freedom of speech. Ukraine included such vows in its Constitution,
legislation as well as through the adoption of various international treaties. This report will focus
particularly on the Law “On Printed Mass Media (Press) in Ukraine”which granted newspapers
the right to function and limited censorship.
Since Ukraine’s origin the government has remained dedicated to adopting international
human rights standards and treaties in relation to media freedom but there have been some
questions raised with President ViktorYanukovych’s commitment to this. Since the mid-90s,
Ukrainianofficials have been determined to foster better relations between the European Union
and Ukraine with eventual entry of Ukraine in to the Union (European Union, 2012), but to
complete this there are many outstanding policies Yanukovych and the current Parliament would
need to implement. Yanukovych has been shifting to more authoritarian wayswhilerebuilding
ties with Russia andthishas caused many to question the country’s true commitment to EU entry
(Pifer, 2011).Toreduce his pro-Russia image to EU officials, Yanukovychhas spoken out greatly
in speeches about his promisetopursue press freedom and economic integration with Europe"As
president, I will guarantee freedom of the media and appropriate investigation of any facts of
their oppression”(Committee to Protect Journalists, 2011). Although Yanukovych may say things
like this in his speeches, there is hesitation within the international community to believe he is
genuine. An administration that has clear examples of silencing the media faces a deep problem
when attempting to convince the world they are trying to adopt a more liberal model towards
communication policies. Because of this, this report is essential to the Ukrainian government to
3. better understand what must be done to resolve this issue before the EU stalls entry
conversations.
EU entry
Among the key priorities for Ukraine outlined in the EU Action Plan is the need to,
“Ensure respect for the freedom of the media and expression including: further improve and
enforce the legal and administrative framework for freedom of media taking into account
relevant Council of Europe recommendations and to ensure effective respect of freedom of
media, including journalists’ rights” (European Commission European Neighbourhood Policy,
2005).
Although the Ukrainian government has incorporated language about media freedom in
its Constitution, implemented media legislation and ratified various international treaties
including European Convention on Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights, there is still much to be done to show the government’s sincere commitment to
media freedom as well as journalists’ rights. According to the 2010 Press Freedom Index
produced by Reporters Without Borders, Ukraine ranks 131 out of 178 next to countries like Iraq
and Egypt for press freedom – a derisory showing for a country looking to join the European
Union (Reporters Without Borders, 2010).
Media situation in Ukraine
As Ukraine remains committed to joining the EU, the deteriorating media situation in
Ukraine has received the attention of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
(PACE). PACE has been tracking various reports released by organizations like Reporters
Without Bordersthat show an increase in intimidation efforts (including violent threats,
kidnappings and even death) against journalists in Ukraine, limiting the ability of the country’s
watchdogs to report on what is truly happening within its borders (including corruption within
4. the government). The decline in press freedom has specifically increased since President Viktor
Yanukovych came in to office (Reporters Without Borders, 2010). Aside from tracking the
number of reported attacks to silence the media, PACE has been following the lack of effort by
Ukraine’s government toappropriately investigate attacksand found the lack ofinvestigationsto be
completely unacceptable (Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, 2007) and disrespectful to
journalists’ rights. Mats Johansson, the Standing Rapporteur for Media Freedom of PACE's
Committee on Culture, Science and Education, and Arne König, President of the European
Federation of Journalists explained,
“We are very concerned by threats to media freedom in Ukraine, which chairs the Council of Europe's
Committee of Ministers at a time of severe national political challenges. It is important for democracy that
independent media can freely report on a political crisis. Impunity for attacks on journalists and the media
undermines democracy and the rule of law. It is unacceptable that law enforcement authorities have not yet
been able to shed light on the disappearance of VasylKlymentyev one year ago. Therefore, we call on the
competent authorities in Ukraine to ensure that independent and truthful information can be disseminated
freely by the media in Ukraine (Council of Europe, 2011)
Ukraine’s blind eye to the threats against its own journalists and even the mistreatment of foreign
journalists has caused various EU leaders to continue questioning Yanukovych’s ability to
reform policies for future EU entry. During meetings in 2010, Chancellor Angela Merkel urged
President Yanukovych to address the crisis surrounding press freedom in his country. Merkel
explained, "I made clear that with regard to certain democratic areas, in particular, in the area of
press freedom and freedom of opinion, we [the EU] had certain questions" (Radio Free Europe,
2010).At a June 2011 meeting of the OSCE states, Article 19 and the International Media
Support groupsexplained to countries that there is “no justice for journalists in Ukraine, Belarus
and Russia” (International Media Support, 2011).The deaths and disappearances of journalists in
Ukraine, such as VasylKlymentyev, Igor Aleksandrov and GeorgiyGongadze were outlined in
the report to show a lack of commitment by the government to investigate and bring justice
(International Media Support, 2011).
5. Media laws in Ukraine
In Ukraine’s Constitution,Article 15 bans censorship (Government of Ukraine, 1996) and
Article 34 promotes freedom of expression,
“Everyone shall be guaranteed the right to freedom of thought and speech, and to free expression of his
views and beliefs. Everyone shall have the right to freely collect, store, use, and disseminate information by oral,
written, or other means at his discretion. The exercise of such rights may be restricted by law in the interests of
national security, territorial integrity, or public order, for the purposes of preventing disturbances or crimes,
protecting the health of the population, protecting the reputation or rights of other persons, preventing the
publication of information received confidentially, or supporting the authority and impartiality of justice
(Government of Ukraine, 1996).”
To accompany this, three pieces of legislation were passed in the early 90s to support freedom of
expression including theLaw of Ukraine “On Printed Mass Media (Press) in Ukraine”, which was
approved in December 1992 (Government of Ukraine, 2009). The Act provided the legal basis for the
operation of print media, the procedure for state registration of publications, the rights and
obligations of the journalists as well as the relations between the media and the public and other
organizations (Government of Ukraine, 2009). However, there have been plenty of issues in printed
mass media as well as in the broadcasting industry where journalists have been punished by the
government for what they report on. Ukraine’s Constitution and its accompanying media laws do not
show a commitment to protecting journalists’ rights. There is an issue within the country where
journalists must actually fear for their safety when reporting and this is completely unacceptable
when expecting EU entry. The laws do not discuss at all what the government will do in response to
threats, physical attacks and even death to journalists when their freedom of expression is eliminated,
nor does the law explain what will be done to officials – including those ruling the country – for
violating such rights. For this reason this report will identify recommendations to better protect
freedom of expression to help Ukraine comply with EU laws and standards.
The Law of Ukraine “On Printed Mass Media (Press) in Ukraine” Overview
The Law of Ukraine “On Printed Mass Media (Press) in Ukraine” was established to
guarantee the operation of printed mass media in Ukraine(Government of Ukraine, 2009) – which is
6. the law’s biggest strength. Allowing media organizations to function and report on social, economic
and political issues is important in a democratic society. According to the law, each citizen should
have the ability to freely express their opinions in printed form and that what they print shall be free
from censorship(Government of Ukraine, 2009). The law gives permission to not only Ukrainian
residents to report in printed media but also to those of foreign origin to express their opinions.
Within the Law there is greater detail as to what it means to be a journalist, how to function as one,
and how the journalist should report to his/her editorial staff for publication decisions. In addition the
Law outlines that, “editorial staff of mass media uses author's materials, works of literature, science
and art exclusively adhering to the legislation on intellectual property”(Government of Ukraine,
2009). The Law continues to discuss the right for a legal entity or natural person to refute what is
published if it is believed to be false. Finally, the law includes information on how to register a
newspaper.
Policy Analysis
The Law of Ukraine “On Printed Mass Media (Press) in Ukraine”appears
comprehensivegreat in theory but it is very vague and allows the government of Ukraine to overstep
its boundaries whenever necessary because there are no true boundaries drawn within this policy.
Although this law and the Constitution claim that everyone has a right to their own opinion and
should be able to express themselves freely through media outlets, this has not been upheld. The
Constitution, which compliments this law states, “Everyone shall have the right to freely collect,
store, use, and disseminate information by oral, written, or other means at his
discretion”(Government of Ukraine, 1996). However, numerous examples of pressure from the
government to silence journalists has shown this law does not ensure any kind of accountability on
behalf of the government to commit to such a promise.
7. Communication Model
Because PresidentYanukovych’sadministration resembles more closely the traditions of the
former USSR and now his close ally, Russia (Pifer, 2011), the approach towards the media has been
one of the Nationalist – Cultural model in the Ukraine. Such a global communication policy model is
characterized by authoritarian control of the media (Venturelli, 2012a), which is exemplified through
the vast examples discussed in this report of extensive state intervention to control what the media
writes about in print (as well as broadcasting) through intimidation against journalists.Harassment
towards the media occurs in various forms from verbal threats, to kidnappings and even death of
journalists to control content. The majority of the time, content is controlled when it exposes stories
of corruption in Ukraine’s government.Arendt argued that public space should not advance the
private interests of parties (Venturelli, 2012b) but politicians like Yanukovych do this when they
limit a journalist’s ability to disseminate important information to the public. When a journalist
is disabled from sharing information about the government including stories about government
corruption it makes it difficult for citizens to have the appropriate conversations they need to be
having in public spaces about what is impacting their country. Such actions by the government
are not done for the public good, they are done to protect themselves and do not allow citizens to
properly participate in the democracy. The law does not hold the leaders of Ukraine accountable
for when they do abuse Ukraine’s media to do this and that is a true weakness of the policy and a
weakening element of Ukrainian society. As it was decided in the case of the Observer &
Guardian Newspaper v UK, “Freedom of the press affords the public one of the best means of
discovering and forming an opinion of the ideas and attitudes of their political leaders” (Harris,
2009).
In addition, this type of communications model attempts to preserve national culture
(Venturelli, 2012a) and identity which can be exemplified through the 2004 ban in on Russian TV
8. channels and Radio channels, in order to promote “Ukrainization” (DeLong, 2011), a policy designed
to promote the Ukrainian language and other elements of Ukrainian culture. Although this policy has
begun to weaken under Yanukovych there are still elements of this practice prevalent in current times
resembling another characteristic of the Nationalist-Cultural model. Given Ukraine’s Soviet roots,
this form of authoritarian control and nationalist nature was part of the old model promoted by the
Soviets and is still being transitioned out as Ukraine works towards being a fully free and democratic
society. Controlled for most of the twentieth century by the conservative Communist system, the
media is still learning to operate in a new democratic, economic, political, ideological, and cultural
environment (Press Reference, 2011).
Weaknesses
Erik Bjerager, President of the World Editors Forum explained that “one of the roles of a
government is to foster an environment where a free press can flourish by being independent of
governmental, political or economic control” (Aid News, 2012). Unfortunately the Law of Ukraine
“On Printed Mass Media (Press) in Ukraine does not promote this type of an environment. Within
EU countries – there is an expectation that citizens should be part of public debate and that they have
the true rights to be informed. The European Union deploys a public service tradition of the liberal
market model of global communication (Venturelli, 2012a, b) where there is room for the
government to be involved with the media as a provider of a public service to the people. However,
the level of intervention and harassment by Ukraine’s administration is indicative more of control
and manipulation of the media. Within society, journalists serve as the gatekeepers to such
information – and when their ability to properly disseminate important information to the public is
limited there is a significant problem in ensuring a democratic society.
As the government owns many of the newspapers in Ukraine they have the ability to control
the information that is disseminated to the public (Government of Ukraine, 2009). The law’s biggest
weakness is handing this power to Ukraine’s government officials who have a history of corruption
9. (Lavrov, 2010) and controlling media content to protect their actions. This type of an approach does
not align with the rest of the European Union and causes problems when the models are so different.
Since the EU promotes communications polices geared towards promoting a free society where there
is an expectation that human rights and free expression are granted to all (Council of Europe, 2008),
if the Ukraine continues to function contrary to this expectation, it will be extremely difficult to
achieve compliance to EU policies and expectations and the relationship may drastically dwindle.
Implications
Since PACE learned about the various threats towards journalists in countries such as the
Ukraine, the Council of Europe passed “Resolution 1535:Threats to the lives and freedom of
expression of journalists”putting pressure on governments like the Ukraine to take press freedom
seriously (Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, 2007).Within this Resolution, the Council
of Europe publically denounced the brutal attacks on Ukrainian journalists such asIhorMosiyshuck,
Sergei Yanovski and Lilia Budjurova and expressed its deep concern with the lack of investigative
measures committed to solvingsuch cases, death threats and murder cases against journalists
(Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, 2007). The Resolution explained that based on the
record of attacks in neighboring countriesjournalists in Ukraine“have to work under fear for their
lives and physical safety” (Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, 2007). Having journalists
feel that they must fear for their lives for doing their jobmakes the EU question whether or not
Ukraine is truly committed to developing a true democracy and respecting human rights. In addition,
other actors within the international community are also questioning Ukraine’s commitment to
democracy because of the country’s disinterest in protecting media freedom. The country’s actions
have begun ruining its reputation not only within the EU community but also globally.
Due to international pressure, 11 years after his death, the government of Ukraine responded
to the murder of GeorgiyGongadze (BBC News Europe, 2010). In addition, the government
10. established a parliamentary ad hoc commission,“to investigate censorship in the media, pressure on
freedom of speech, and obstruction of journalistic activities” (Article 19, 2010). At this time, the
Commission has been functioning at a low level (Article 19, 2010), not showing adequate
commitment by the government to resolve the problems relating to media freedom. These two
measures are not enough to show full commitment to protecting journalists within Ukraine.
Recommendations
Free and independent media is a reflection of a true democracy (Article 19, 2010) and the
Ukrainian Parliament must make decisive action to ensure this exists.This report recommends that
Ukraine musttransmute legislation to comply with European and international standards that ensures
respect for freedom of expression and diversity of opinion (Article 19, 2010). This report would
make the following recommendations to help the Government of Ukraine in meeting the demands of
the European Union:
Establish a committee of media experts, consultants and Ukrainian government policy leaders to
develop a strategic plan for transforming Ukraine’s current media legislation including the Law
of Ukraine “On Printed Mass Media (Press) to meet the demands of the EU which promotes
more liberal global communications policies.
The Law of Ukraine “On Printed Mass Media (Press) in Ukraine” should be amended to address
the following priority areas outlined by the Council of Europe in Resolution 1535:
o Under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), “Freedom of
expression and information in the media includes the right to express political opinions
and criticize the authorities and society, expose governmental mistakes, corruption and
organized crime…”(Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, 2007). This report
recommends that in order to ensure journalists can act freely there must be an emphasis
in the language of the law stating the actual desire to protect the safety of journalists to
11. speak out against all matters freely; including the operations of the government and acts
of government leaders.
o To support the demands of Articles 2 and 10 of the ECHR(Council of Europe
Parliamentary Assembly, 2007)this report recommends the addition of language in the
law establishing an official monitoring system to investigate former/current attacks on
Ukraine’s journalists; members of NGOs and civil society should be a part of this system
to oversee fairness of investigations.
o In addition, language in the law should include the ability for authorities to be held
accountable when failing to protect the freedom of expression of journalists or when
failing to act/investigate or prosecute;
To ensure success of such a system, Ukraine’s judges, law enforcement
authorities and police should be trained on better respecting media freedom.
Conclusion
While press freedom is guaranteed by Ukraine’s Constitution and the Law of Ukraine “On
Printed Mass Media (Press) in Ukraine”, journalists have come under significant pressure from the
government over the past decade; including threats against their lives, kidnappings, beatings and
murder. As the country hopes to enter the European Union, policy reforms must be implemented to
address such issues as the EU and the international community’s perception of Ukraine’s
commitment to ensuring press freedom reduces.The Law of Ukraine “On Printed Mass Media (Press)
in Ukraine should be amended to include language emphasizing the safety of journalists and their
right to carry out their work without threats tohelp the government of Ukraine salvage its reputation
in the international community.
12. Works Cited
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