Press release: Sweden launching major rule of law project in Ukraine

Rule of law plays an essential part in promoting security, economic development and the protection of human rights. After the past year's turbulent developments, Ukraine is facing a number of challenges. The FBA is now launching a major project in the area of rule of law and public administration in the country.

The project aims to strengthen and integrate rule of law principles in local public services in Ukraine. An important part of the project is to increase awareness among citizens about their rights, and to strengthen civil society's capacity to hold public institutions at the local level legally responsible. The project will complement ongoing reform processes in decentralization and local governance, and contribute to greater transparency in the public administration.

– Ukraine is facing enormous challenges. We at the FBA are delighted to have been given the opportunity to contribute to this crucial rule of law reform, says Sven-Eric Söder, Director General at the FBA.

FBA has previously, in collaboration with the UN Development Programme, developed an analysis tool that will help states to self-evaluate their operations from a rule of law perspective. The tool was tested in 2011 in the Philippines, Sierra Leone and Ukraine, and will now be used in a dozen of Ukrainian municipalities during the project period of three years.

Key partners are the think tank Razumkov Center and the Ukrainian non-governmental Association of Small Cities, NGO AMMU. The project officially starts in late September, in connection to an annual conference of cities and municipalities, arranged by NGO AMMU.

The Swedish delegation to Ukraine is headed by Sven-Eric Söder. Söder will also visit several international missions in Ukraine where the FBA has seconded personnel. At present, there are six persons with assignments in the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission and the EU Delegation. The number is expected to rise during autumn, due to the establishment of EUAM, the EU Advisory Mission for Civilian Security Sector Reform.

– Swedish civilian staff make a difference on the ground in Ukraine. In a very stressful situation, our staff help to promote peace and security, Sven-Eric Söder adds.

Contact information

For more information, contact the project manager Shane Quinn, shane.quinn@fba.se.