Remarks by DCM Sheila Gwaltney
at the Third Human Rights Forum
May 20, 2006, Hotel Bratyslava, Kyiv
I would like to thank Yevhen Zakharov and Volodymyr Yavorskiy for inviting me to the Forum. I'm glad to see so many representatives of civic organizations, human rights experts, diplomatic community colleagues and Ukrainian Government officials here -- especially on a Saturday morning -- to attend the presentation of the 2005 National Human Rights Report.
As you know, every year the U.S. Department of State publishes its own Human Rights report. The 2005 Human Rights report notes that the human rights situation in Ukraine has significantly improved during President Yushchenko's time in office. The State Department Report recognizes that progress has been made in freedom of assembly and expression, that Ukraine's media environment has become less restrictive, and that you -- Ukraine's human rights community -- have been freer to do your important work without interference.
Let me also take this opportunity to specifically commend the Kharkiv Human Rights Protection Group and the Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Union for the work they have done in advancing the cause of human rights in Ukraine. In specific, I would like to commend you for your contribution to opposing the shameful anti-Semitic activities and publications of the Inter-Regional Academy of Personnel Management, known by its Ukrainian acronym, MAUP. Yevhen Zakharov's court victory against MAUP on January 12 was a watershed event cheered by all those in Ukraine who are appalled by MAUP's vicious anti-Semitism. The Kharkiv Human Rights Protection Group and the Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Union can take pride in the fact that they are on MAUP's so-called "enemies list."
The role of non-governmental and private sector organizations is essential to enhance transparency and accountability in government. In 2005 a number of these organizations worked hard to strengthen the Ukrainian law on freedom of access to information by sending regular information requests to the government.
These organizations also worked on other human rights issues and researched the human rights situation in Ukraine. They have promoted the rights of women, children, refugees and the disabled. They have fought for all anti-torture claims to be officially considered by Ukrainian courts. These NGOs are 'non-state actors,' whose advocacy brings the change to each community and the country in general.
The protection and promotion of human rights are essential goals of U.S. foreign policy, and U.S. government-funded assistance programs promote these goals. Here in Ukraine in 2005, our Embassy issued 85 Democracy Commission grants totaling $686,000 and 90 Media Development grants totaling $660,000.
Congratulations to all organizations who are here today and who worked hard this year to promote human rights in Ukraine. Your combined work has strengthened democracy and improved the human rights situation for all Ukrainian citizens.
Thank you and wish you much success.