Opening Statement by Dafina Gercheva, UNDP Ukraine Resident Representative, 9 December 2021

Excellencies, Distinguished members of the Verkhovna Rada, dear colleagues:

I am pleased to join you at this important event, which is dedicated to the anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights.  Today’s discussions will be focused on the main trends in the  realization of human and civil rights and freedoms.

In 2021, despite of various emerging challenges, the Government of Ukraine has made significant  progress in many important dimensions of human rights, such as the adoption of two key strategic documents: the National Human Rights Strategy and the National Strategy on Building a Barrier-free environment in Ukraine.

We at UNDP view both of these as critically important, especially in light of COVID19 emergency , which is hitting hard on the fundamentals of human development: health, education and income, and is further exacerbating vulnerabilities and inequalities.  

During the lockdown imposed by the pandemic, we learnt how to leverage the power of technologies, and how to apply new digital approaches and platforms at work. While  digital transformation brings numerous development benefits, if not governed properly it could pose risks to public service provision, personal data protection, and social inclusion.

To address these challenges, UNDP is working with the Office of the Ombudsperson and its regional network, and with the Ministry of Digital Transformation on ensuring equal access to public services, information, support and resources to all, including the most vulnerable and marginalized groups. We are also developing innovative solutions to  personal data protection.

Promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms should underpin all national policies and strategies. UNDP stands ready to continue advancing this agenda in partnership with all stakeholders, national counterparts, and development partners.  

I would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to madam Ombudsperson, Ms. Denisova, and to the Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Human Rights, Mr. Lubinets for organizing this topical and timely high-level discussion on human rights.

I wish you very successful and constructive deliberations.