The Day of Ukrainian Reforms in the Council of Europe

Strasbourg, 3 October 2016

 

The Council of Europe is very grateful to the Ukrainian authorities for the initiative to provide updated information on the ongoing Reform process in Ukraine. Major Ukrainian actors could directly inform Council of Europe member States representatives of the recent positive developments.

It also provided the opportunity to reaffirm the Council of Europe’s strong commitment to Ukraine's reform agenda, and its willingness to provide immediate as well as long-term support to reinforce three main pillars in the country which are democracy, rule of law and protection of human rights.

The Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine 2015-2017 is the main instrument that reflects all these priorities. Today is the midterm of this most extensive Action plan in the history of the Council of Europe and this constitutes a perfect timing to assess where we are. Today we took stock of implementing the Human Rights Strategy, reforming the Police and the Penitentiary, as well as of Anti-Corruption and Judicial Reforms.

Let me commend the Ukrainian authorities for all steps they are taking to implement the Plan and the progress they have already achieved in accomplishing comprehensive structural reforms in the country. Given the circumstances, this has not been easy and the Council of Europe is proud of having been able to help. We welcome the fact that the Civil Society was included as a partner and contributed very constructively. This creates ownership.

We encourage Ukraine to continue this reform process and take the sometimes difficult but always necessary decisions for the reinforcement of European values and standards in their country. The following issues, where concrete progress is required, were highlighted during the discussion:

  • Reform of the Judiciary,
  • Fight against corruption. I would like to stress the urgent need to appoint a delegation to GRECO (visit next December),
  • Reform of the Public Prosecutor’s Office,
  • Effective investigation of ill-treatment and the establishment of State bureau of investigations,
  • Reform of Police,
  • Strengthen the free legal aid system.

The main priorities of the Council of Europe and Ukraine’s ongoing joint activities are:

  • implementation of the amendments to the Constitution,
  • transforming the Public Prosecutor’s Office into an institution that is compliant with European standards,
  • electoral reform,
  • protection of freedom of expression and media freedom,
  • implementation of the European Court for Human Rights’ judgments at national level,
  • protection of IDPs,
  • prison reform,
  • supporting the work of the National Anti-corruption Bureau, implementation of the National Human Rights Strategy and its Action Plan,
  • achieving the decentralisation reform, and
  • guaranteeing the protection of social rights as provided by the European Social Charter.

This is a tall order and I am aware that it takes a long term view for the government of Ukraine to implement it all. However, I do not see any easier and more promising way in order to achieve political and socio-economic stability and rebuild the confidence of the Ukrainian people.

The Ukrainian government, together with parliament and national institutions must continue its reform program so that citizens can enjoy their human rights, that they can rely on the rule of law and that they can participate in a democratic society.

I can assure you, the representatives of Ukrainian authorities, that the Council of Europe bodies and mechanisms will support you in your reform efforts, and I appeal to you, the representatives of Council of Europe member States, to do the same and to enable the Council of Europe to extend its help. But of course, the Ukrainian authorities have to provide the necessary leadership.

Thank you.