Freedom of expression – one of the core values sealed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – is a treasure and a curse mixed into one. For decades, it served as a shield for many professional journalists and activists who either explored socially important topics or scratched the dirt of misdeeds, that turned them into targets for retaliation.
Today marks six years since the assassination of Pavlo Sheremet, who, like many of his fellow journalists, dedicated his life to sharing the truth with the public. But how did the sentiment towards freedom of speech change with the beginning of the war? In this issue of our newsletter, we explore if Ukrainians are ready to concede to such limitations in favor of the protection of the state, as well as comb through the recent activity of the civil society in Ukraine. Engage in the traditional read!
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Freedom of speech is a fundamental value for every democratic state. However, in conditions of war, Ukraine faces a challenging task – to simultaneously preserve freedom of speech and protect the information space from disinformation. Does our state manage to maintain this balance, and what do the citizens themselves think?
In January-June 2022, the Institute of Mass Information recorded 484 cases of freedom of speech violations. 419 crimes were committed by Russia since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, while another 65 cases fall under the responsibility of the Ukrainian side. The Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation`s poll revealed that today, when the threat to the state is more urgent than ever, citizens believe that protecting the state (65%) is more important than observing freedom of speech (22%). At the same time, most respondents (51%) disapprove of freedom of speech restrictions even for restoring order in the country.
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CSOs Launch an Innovative Analytical Project
Transparency International Ukraine, the Institute of Analysis and Advocacy, VoxUkraine, and Ukrainian Development Foundation are launching the Re:silience initiative.Re:covery. Re:construction. (Re:Ukraine project). Together, CSOs will develop innovative instruments, monitor and debunk Russia`s fakes and propaganda, and do other efforts aimed at Ukraine`s victory.
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USAID Launches an Agriculture Resilience Initiative to Support Ukrainian Agriculture
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is increasing support to Ukraine’s farmers, establishing a $100 million Agriculture Resilience Initiative to support Ukrainian agriculture exports and production amid Russia’s brutal war. USAID will help Ukraine address export challenges while providing farmers with seeds, fertilizers, equipment, and pesticides as well as increasing their access to financing, storage, and processing. In addition to directly contributing $100 million, USAID aims to raise an additional $150 million from international donors and the private sector.
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Activists Welcome Approval of the SAPO Head Competition Winner but Warn of Possible Pitfalls
On July 19, the contest committee approved the results of the competition for the head of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) and submitted documents for approval to the Prosecutor General’s Office. Civil society organizations welcome this appointment and emphasize that it has long been a demand of the public and international partners. At the same time, the Anti-Corruption Action Center warns of possible pitfalls, namely that the Prosecutor General Office may delay the approval which will lead to its disruption. Read more at the link below.
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Global Office Launches Campaign to Inspire Youth Engagement in Post-War Recovery
On July 11, Global Office started a communication campaign VlipyZaSebe to support and inspire youth to find their place in post-war Ukraine and engage in the country’s recovery. During the campaign, CSO will explain war-related notions, how to preserve a sound state of mind and find the strength to move forward, tell inspirational stories about Ukrainians who resist the enemy, and map out possible ways youth can participate in the rebuilding of Ukraine after the war.
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ANTS Presents Digital Platform for Cities to Cooperate on Post-War Reconstruction of Ukraine
On July 14, the National Interest Advocacy Network ANTS conducted a presentation of the “Cities4cities” platform that allows Ukrainian and European communities to cooperate on the reconstruction of Ukraine. The tool allows Ukrainian and European local government agencies to share their needs and propositions related to local infrastructure development, and match Ukrainian and other European cities to provide help and support to local needs.
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Vox Ukraine Analyzes Sanctions Imposed Against Russia Globally
Since the beginning of the full-scale war, new sanctions against Russia have become one of the most powerful tools for the struggle, along with work on accelerating the supply of heavy weapons to the Ukrainian troops and attracting international funding. Using open sources, Vox Ukraine calculated which countries have approved the most sanctions packages since February 24, what and who are affected by the restrictions, and what efforts Ukraine is making to expand anti-Russia sanctions.
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Democratic Initiatives Foundation Analyzes the Prospects for the Recovery of the Agricultural Sector in Ukraine
What losses did Russia`s invasion cause to the Ukrainian agricultural sector? How can the state and international partners support it? Check an analytical report prepared by Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation to find answers to these questions. The document reveals the most typical problems of agribusiness in Ukraine and includes recommendations for state authorities and international structures that will help reduce the negative consequences of the war on the food security of Ukraine and the world.
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EdCamp Launches an Online Challenge to Support Ukrainian Teachers
EdCamp launches a challenge to tell the world about the contribution of Ukrainian teachers who continue to fulfill their important mission – teaching children during the war and uniting communities in this difficult time. To join, you need to take a photo with the text “I stand with UA teachers,” post it on social media using the hashtag #standwithUAteachers and pass the baton to your friends. Push the button for more details.
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Center of Policy and Legal Reform to Discuss the Legal Aspects of the Removal of the Head of the SBU and the Prosecutor General
The Center of Policy and Legal Reform will hold an online discussion dedicated to the removal of the Head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the Prosecutor General. Experts of the organization will explain what is happening from a legal point of view, analyze the short-term and long-term consequences for Ukraine, and whether the change of the Prosecutor General will affect the investigation of international crimes and exchange processes. The live broadcast will take place on July 21 at 10:00 a.m. The recording will also be available on the YouTube channel of the CPLR.
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Apply Now! Grant Competition to Support Think Tanks
The Ukrainian Women’s Fund invites think tanks and civil society organizations to participate in the grant competition. Its goal is to strengthen the advisory and monitoring role of think tanks in the process of implementing the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU. The application deadline is August 20, 2022.
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Apply Now! Embassy of Finland Grants for Civil Society Organizations
The Embassy of Finland in Ukraine offers grants for civil society organizations whose activities aim at poverty reduction, implementation of fundamental rights and promoting sustainable development globally. The proposed projects should be related to one of the education or environmental topics. The application deadline is August 31, 2022.
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