Experts say the Ukrainian government talks about modernization solely as technological or economic change, disregarding human rights and rule of law
The Ukrainian government talks about modernization solely as technological or economic change, disregarding such fundamental elements of modernization as human rights, equality under the law and rule of law. Ineffective cooperation with civil society, analytical institutions and experts stands in the way of the modernization reforms proclaimed by the government. This was the emphasis of the analytical report “The new government: the challenges of modernization” presented in Kyiv. It was prepared by the Institute for Economic Research and Policy Consulting, the Center of Political and Legal Reforms, the Institute for Euro-Atlantic Cooperation, the Razumkov Centre, and the Laboratory of Legislative Initiatives with the support of the International Renaissance Foundation. The authors include more than 40 experts from leading non-governmental think tanks in the fields of political science, law, economics, social policy, environmental policy, education, culture, etc.
Head of the Center for Political and Legal Reforms Ihor Koliushko noted in the report: “Since coming to power, President Viktor Yanukovych, the Government and parliamentary majority of the Party of Regions have accomplished only one thing: concentrating power and responsibility in the hands of the President and his Administration. And this was achieved not just through numerous departures from the letter and spirit of the Constitution of Ukraine, but also with total disregard for the doctrine of rule of law.” Thus, according to the expert, the established system of power has not become effective or capable or implementing vital social reforms.
“Out of the many priorities, practical steps have been taken only in two directions: the new tax law and pension reform. But since these laws were passed hastily, they will require adjustments in the future,” said Head of the Board the Institute for Economic Research and Consulting Igor Burakovsky, commenting on the economic section of the report. He drew particular attention to the fact that the business climate and conditions for doing business in Ukraine remain difficult, which in his opinion does not contribute to the implementation of the ambitious goals of modernization.
In the humanitarian field, experts raised the question of how to overcome the irreconcilable dispute between two public policies in the humanitarian sphere: national-democratic and “post-soviet”. “The only hope is the activity of an independent civil society – non-governmental organizations, various public organizations that defend rights, trade unions,” noted Yevhen Bystrytsky, Executive Director of the International Renaissance Foundation.
Research Director at the Institute for Euro-Atlantic Cooperation Oleksandr Sushko noted the dissonance between the government’s declared policy of European integration and authoritarian trends in domestic policy. In his opinion, the deteriorating domestic political situation may also create problems for Ukraine’s foreign policy. “The authoritarian model contradicts even the theoretical possibility of Ukraine’s integration into the European Community,” he said.
Contact information: The International Renaissance Foundation, Stanislav Lyachinsky, (+38 044) 486 24 74, liachinskiy@irf.kiev.ua
***
Main objective of the International Renaissance Foundation is to provide financial and operational assistance to the development of an open and democratic society in Ukraine by supporting key civic initiatives in this area.
