Dear friends, congratulations on the Constitution Day!

On June 28, 1996, the Verkhovna Rada adopted the Constitution of Ukraine - the fundamental law of the state, which guarantees the rights and freedoms and defines duties of Ukrainians, including the right to freedom of thought and expression, secrecy of correspondence, telephone conversations, protection from interference in personal and family life, and others.

No regulation of the national legal framework of Ukraine can contradict constitutional norms. Citizens have equal constitutional rights and freedoms and are equal in front of the law. But, unfortunately, Ukrainians keep facing violations of their constitutional rights both from the government or businesses, and other individuals.

It is therefore important to remember to observe constitutional rights not only during a public holiday – the Constitution Day of Ukraine, but on a daily basis.

That’s why the team of the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) works actively within the framework of the program "Promoting Internet Freedom in Ukraine" to ensure, in particular, respect for citizens’ constitutional rights to freedom of thought and speech and to freedom of expression of views and beliefs.

We have ambitious plans to strengthen expertise on Internet freedoms and national security, raise legal awareness, strengthen the capacity of Ukrainian civil society organizations to protect and promote Internet freedoms, and encourage interaction between the general public, private sector and government authorities.

As part of our events, we will unite experts from various professional communities at the national and international levels around Internet freedom issues. So, follow the announcements and join us! Remember that much depends on ourselves!  

Happy holiday, friends!