OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine signs co-operation agreement with Human Rights Commissioner

KYIV, 28 January 2013 – The OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine, Ambassador Madina Jarbussynova, and the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, Valeriya Lutkovska, signed a Memorandum on Co-operation in Kyiv today.

The Memorandum defines principles for co-operation to promote international standards on human rights and fundamental freedoms, the rule of law and democratic principles. The document also pledges the OSCE’s support in enhancing the capacity of the office of the Commissioner.

“Supporting national human rights institutions is one of the priorities of the OSCE,” said Jarbussynova. “This Memorandum will serve as a platform to promoting co-operation on all aspects of human rights – civil, political, social, economic and cultural.”

During the signing ceremony, the parties agreed to work together to provide legal expertise for relevant law drafts and to promote observance of human rights and democratic freedoms. They also agreed to support the operation of a national preventive mechanism in Ukraine pursuant to the 2002 Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

Lutkovska said: “Co-operation with international organizations is of strategic importance for our work, and the signing of the memorandum on co-operation with the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine is a  key step forward.”

Following the signing of the Memorandum, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator and the Commissioner will start developing joint projects in line with their mandates and available resources.