Creation of a Civil society platform for a democratic Ukraine

Met dank overgenomen van Europees Economisch en Sociaal Comité (EESC) i, gepubliceerd op dinsdag 25 februari 2014.

25 February 2014 witnessed the creation of a Civil society platform composed of non-political Civil society actors from Ukraine, whose goal is a long-term strategy for the democratic development of a European Ukraine.

Scheduled to be named "Democracy for Ukraine", the platform was launched at a press conference in Strasbourg by Ruslana Lyzhychko, Ukrainian singer and face of the Maidan civil protest movement, and Henri Malosse, president of the European Economic and Social Committee.

Formed in the aftermath of the Maidan movement, the non-political platform will aim to tackle the mechanisms of corruption in Ukraine, to keep the country united, and to lead the citizens closer to embracing a democratic identity and European values.

"I have been approached by many devoted, apolitical society leaders, who are ready to volunteer their efforts for the good of their country, including the council of Ukrainian churches", Ruslana Lyzhychko declared that the platform will be composed of employers, trade union representatives, students, intellectuals, artists, and various religious leaders from across Ukraine.

Henri Malosse, president of the EESC, which represents the civil society of the European Union, engaged to offer its support and expertise, as well as the cooperation of the other European institutions: "the most important action right now is to truly involve Ukrainian citizens in the long-term strategy for eradicating corruption, and stimulating reform and development of their country".

After meetings with Guy Verhofstadt i and Mariella De Sarnez at the European Parliament, Mr Malosse and Ms Lyzhychko also met with the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Nils Muiznieks. They discussed the necessity for investigations in the human rights violations in Ukraine in order to bring the people responsible to justice. They agreed that the priorities facing Ukraine include anti-corruption schemes and reforms in the police, prosecution and judiciary systems. "We cannot build democracy on top of blood, as long as the criminals are not punished", Henri Malosse said.