Civic Oversight in Ukraine

Security Services Under Civic Oversight in Ukraine

Freedom House supported Ukrainian civil society in providing effective public oversight of the activities of the Ukrainian government law-enforcement and security services, including the Ministry of Interior, the Security Service of Ukraine, and the Ministry of Defense, as well as to foster productive engagement between the security services and civil society. Freedom House and its partners worked to create platforms for civil society representatives to engage directly with law-enforcement and security officials to discuss issues of mutual concern at the national and local levels, and to identify constructive solutions. The project activities aimed to demonstrate that the security-sector effectiveness, accountability, and democratic governance are mutually reinforcing elements of Ukraine’s security.

Cooperation with the Government

Freedom House and its partners regularly engaged with security sector bodies to enhance cooperation and engagement between the security sector and civil society. A key task of Freedom House and partners was to build trust between civil society and the security sector to develop productive cooperation focused on improving respect for human rights in Ukraine.

Analytical and Media Materials

Freedom House worked with Ukrainian journalists to raise awareness among both governmental bodies and wider society on the topic of public and civic oversight. In particular, Freedom House worked to develop popular understanding and support for the notion that public oversight is essential for a democratic society and that it can be mutually beneficial both for the security services and society as a whole.