Ukraine - Overview

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine is having a significant impact on the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, particularly for those people in the conflict zone. Independent and pro-Ukrainian media, as well as activists, are unable to operate freely in Donetsk and Luhansk, where self-censorship is widespread. The LGBTI community has been prevented from freely exercising the right to peaceful assembly as security forces failed to protect protestors from clashes with right wing groups. Despite all of the challenges, civil society in Ukraine still plays a crucial role in attempts to build a functional democracy, uphold the rule of law and promote and protect human rights.