What is more important for a country in
transition towards democratization – development of a civil society or economic growth fostered by the government? Is it acceptable when a country
implements reforms, which ensure economic prosperity but sacrifice respect to
human rights, which are the basics of democratic society? In Ukraine, both
conditions are absent – there is no economic growth and no respect of human
rights.
Having freedom indicators according to
Freedom House 3.5 (partially free) in 2013 and being identified in human
rights record by the Human Rights Watch in 2013 as “poor,” a huge financial
direct support provided by the international donors to Ukrainian government
doesn’t change the situation for better. Funds aimed at democratic reforms are
used for corrupted strategies; policies are developed to satisfy interests of
political and business groups, lack of professionalism among journalists and
indifference of the society eliminates political accountability – all of this
consolidates the regime.
That is why it is very important for
Ukrainians to realize that direct support to the government as the immediate
cure for procrastination of democratization is a false assumption and
reconsider the essential importance of supporting journalists, media and
grassroots civil society to foster this process instead.
First of all, if the need for development of
professional media sector is realized by the media itself, a stronger
accountability of politicians will be better insured. Instead of supporting the
corrupt government, those funds of international donors could be directed at
supporting development of an independent and reliable media network, as well as
improvement of their professional competency and journalists’ ethics. That will
help to develop conscious civil society, which ensures accountability and
protection of people’s rights.
Second of all, if the importance of its role in democratization is
realized by the grassroots civil society, Ukrainians will build strong and
conscious society. Instead of providing direct support to the government,
international donors can contribute to the development of local communities. It will provide an opportunity for small
communities to learn about self-carrying, without waiting for government’s
virtual promises to help. Most importantly it will help to develop personal
responsibility of each individual for the well-being of the community and
therefore for the country.
The best example of how community is capable
of organizing itself and thus building democracy on the spot is a community-based approach for local development.
The main aim of it is to teach and promote sustainable
socio-economic development at local level by strengthening participation of
each member of community in governing themselves, mobilizing themselves for
improving their infrastructure, building kindergartens by learning how to find
necessary funds without relying on state’s help. There are couple thousand communities around Ukraine, which decided to participate in the programme and
now are examples of self-governed prosperous small towns and villages. If we
realize the necessity for such programmes, we ourselves will be able to build
democracy on the spot, paying no attention to the government and its promises
for better future.
Only the brevity of the consolidated civil
society to act will deconsolidate the regime.
One of the consequences of the
regime, linked to its confidence that no sanctions will be introduced to it by the
society or the donors, is violation of human rights.
Representatives of the law enforcement agencies in Ukraine frequently
exercise buse of power. We remember the cases of unlawful detentions, car
accidents, beatings, rapes and murders on the account of Ukrainian police.
Widespread violations in these cases can be qualified as violation of the right
to an effective remedy, right to liberty and security, right to a fair trial
and prohibition of torture guaranteed as universal and integral human rights by
the European Convention on Human Rights. Unfortunately, cases where
representatives of Ukrainian authorities are involved as offenders are not enough
broadcasted in media, which leads to lack of information in the society and
this paralyses civil activity.
Today Ukrainians once again are given a
unique chance to stand on the path democratisation. Today when neither the
opposition, nor the civil society organisations have a concrete plan of actions
they should at least be the channels of encouragement for people. Ukraine for
too long was struggling and got used to crises-management. It has perfected
itself in it, but it is time to fight systematic errors and think
strategically.
Only consolidation of the civil society together with professional
media on the one hand and banning of direct financial support to the government
by international donors on the other hand, can overcome the many constraints
for democratisation – the human rights violations, corruption etc. – and foster
true democratisation process in Ukraine. We should remember that real
democratisation starts, when everyone realizes his/her individual role in this
process.
Media being ready to broadcast unbiased information, and journalists who follow professional ethics will result in media serving as a real power (after
the parliament, Cabinet of Ministers and the Presidents), which has the
authority for agenda-setting in the society. Understanding and defending
individual rights as human rights will help people to build a strong network of
grassroots initiatives and organizations. As a result this will force reforms,
oppose illegitimate decisions of the government and become a real democracy
enforcing power in Ukraine.
