On December 17, 2018, Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Union together with Legal Development Network with the support of the USAID New Justice Program and USAID Human Rights in Action Program conducted public discussion “Local Human Rights Index: innovative tool for strengthening community’s legal capacity”.

The purpose of the event was to present Local Human Rights Index (LHRI) – unique, objective and effective instrument of assessment of human rights enforcement by the local governments, taking into account real needs, through the mechanisms of public monitoring, expert support and training for the representatives of local authorities and public.

During 2018, Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Union and Legal Development Network with the support of USAID New Justice Program and under the USAID Human Rights in Action Program conducted over 30 monitoring missions in all regions of Ukraine.

The pilots’ results indicate that LHRI instrument can be effectively used in all settlements, and in particular in those, which are located close to the armed conflict zone. It facilitates better exercising of the human rights in all types of the communities, fosters cooperation between the authorities and the public.

At the event, the methodology, tools and results of the LHRI piloting were demonstrated and the prospects of its further utilization were suggested. During the discussion, process of Local Human Rights Index implementation was evaluated. Some of the opinions are presented below.

Oleksandr Pavlichenko, Executive Director of Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Union: “Decentralization is actually the reform of the authorities, however, its implementation shall be monitored from the point of view of respecting the human rights. Local index is a quality instrument of UHHRU in this sphere, useful for the state and for the society”.

Oksana Sytnytska, Ostroh Deputy Mayor: “Based on the monitoring results, Ostroh City Council received a number of recommendations. We perceived them as the resource for improvement of our activities, as an outside perspective. For three months already, from the time of receiving the report, we have a positive dynamics of implementation of the recommendations into the life of the city”. The presentation is available at the link.

Prof. Andriy Galai, Coordinator of the Local Human Rights Index: “For our big team of developers, monitors, stakeholders among the authorities and public, the index turned out to be a positive Pandora’s box. Each new event adds more resources and opportunities for improvement of governance both in peaceful settlements, and in those affected by the war”.

The presentation is available at the link.

This event is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in the framework of the Human Rights in Action Program, implemented by the Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Union, and USAID New Justice Program.

USAID is the world’s premier international development agency and a catalytic actor driving development results. USAID’s work demonstrates American generosity, and promotes a path to recipient self-reliance and resilience, and advances U.S. national security and economic prosperity. USAID has partnered with Ukraine since 1992, providing more than $3 billion in assistance. USAID’s current strategic priorities include strengthening democracy and good governance, promoting economic development and energy security, improving health care systems, and mitigating the effects of the conflict in the east. For additional information about USAID in Ukraine, please call USAID’s Development Outreach and Communications Office at: +38 (044) 521-5753. You may also visit our website: http://www.usaid.gov/ukraine or our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/USAIDUkraine