erosion of human rights in Ukraine

[IreneLviv]

This plaque is spreading all over..

[dobko]

Originally Posted by Hannia

Irene,

Nick, a Brit, is referring to his non-Ukrainian speaking mail order in-laws.

............................. is this one of the posts you were refering to Hannia?

I'm trying to find the post from Nick that provoked an attack on his family.


As for the language issues in Ukraine, maybe a page from Canadian history could be used.

[Gotno Gizmo]

Originally Posted by sjoyce

With Mr Yanukovic eroding human rights in Ukraine, why would anyone be foolish enough to travel there for the 2012 Soccer championships?

I cannot imagine why you believe that the kind of guy who will part with a significant amount of his earnings to traverse Europe to watch a football (Soccer to you guys across the pond) match would know or care little about the political situation in that country. If these guys had any consideration for the fairness of society they would not participate so willingly in a "sporting enterprise" that exploits their patronage, giving rise to the top football stars earning umpteen times more than say a brain surgeon. Apart from them being there to watch their team win the match, the second most important thing on their agenda will be the price of the beer!

[Gotno Gizmo]

Unfortunately I cannot understand what is being said but Russian speakers (it sounds more Russian than Ukrainiian to me) but some of you may find it interesting.

YouTube - Dmytro Groysman press-conference 18/10/2010

[Gotno Gizmo]

An article by The Financial Times Limited 2011 concerning Ukraine's future democracy:-

EU warns Ukraine over democratic ‘values’
By Roman Olearchyk in Kiev

Published: January 11 2011 17:22 | Last updated: January 11 2011 17:22

Stefan Fuele, the European Union’s enlargement commissioner, warned Ukraine’s leadership on Tuesday that closer integration with Brussels hangs on adherence to core EU principles of democracy and media freedoms.

Wrapping up a two-day visit to Kiev that included meetings with Viktor Yanukovich the president, journalists and human rights activists, Mr Fuele said Brussels shares concerns expressed by the US that Ukraine’s political opposition was being persecuted while media freedoms were being curtailed.

Mr Fuele was asked during a press conference in Kiev if the EU shared concerns about political persecution that was expressed late in December in a statement issued by the US. He said: “I certainly share the impression” and concerns that were raised by the US and “raised this issue in discussions, including with Ukraine’s president.”

Mr Fuele added: “I do not want to speculate at this time on repercussions” that could follow should Ukraine stray away from democracy.

Mr Fuele’s comments came two weeks after the US issued a sharp warning to Ukraine’s leadership, expressing concerns that a flurry of arrests and probes “selectively” targeting opposition politicians appeared to be “politically motivated.”

The December 30 US statement followed arrests that appear to target exclusively allies of Yulia Tymoshenko, the opposition leader. Ukrainian prosecutors formally charged Ms Tymoshenko late last year with misspending $300m in state funds while serving as premier in 2009.

Ms Tymoshenko, who lost last year’s presidential election to Mr Yanukovich, denies wrongdoing and insists that the charges against her are intended to divert attention from corrupt dealings of Ukraine’s current leadership. Two Ukrainian human rights organisations came to her defence late last year, urging Mr Yanukovich to end political persecution.

Opposition leaders accuse Mr Yanukovich of monopolising power, persecuting foes and reneging on democratic and media freedom gains made since the 2004 Orange Revolution. Opponents also accuse the Moscow-friendly Ukrainian president of bringing Kiev back into Russia’s fold.

But Mr Yanukovich has repeatedly denied such allegations. His administration describes the investigations as legitimate attempts to combat corruption. Mr Yanukovich also claims to be working hard to revive relations with Russia while keeping Kiev on a path towards EU membership and reforming Ukraine’s fragile economy.

Insiders said journalists gave Mr Fuele evidence that the media have been muzzled under Mr Yanukovich and that allegations of corruption involving presidential allies are not being investigated.

Referring to such allegations, Mr Fuele said: “In the 21st century, democratic government cannot exist without an independent judicial system and media. This is a question of moral leadership.”

While meeting members of the foreign investment community in Ukraine, Mr Fuele also heard complaints about rampant corruption and bureaucracy. During a press conference, he urged Ukraine to improve its investment climate.

[Gotno Gizmo]

Ukraine Activists Protest Planned Closure Of Ministry Human Rights Section

The latest report concerning the closure of the Interior Ministry's department for monitoring human rights, RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service reports:- Ukraine Activists Protest Planned Closure Of Ministry Human Rights Section - Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty ╘ 2011