President Victor Yushchenko took part today in an international conference “Modern Challenges to Human Rights and Freedoms”, which was held in National Opera of Ukraine in Kyiv. According to the President`s press-office, the conference was dedicated to 10th anniversary of establishment of the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights in Ukraine and celebrating 60 years since Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed. It gathered representatives from international organizations, Ombudsmen offices and other institutions from Ukraine and 43 world countries, including Resident Coordinator of the United Nations system in Ukraine Francis Martin O`Donnell.
Addressing those present President Yushchenko said that during ten years of its existence the Office of Commissioner for Human Rights has proven its effectiveness as thanks to it tens thousands of Ukrainians could defended their rights. He also stressed urgency of establishing Ombudsman’s offices in the regions of Ukraine and promised to make corresponding instructions to stir up the process. “Each [citizen] should have ability to find a representative of the Ombudsman nearby, at least in the regional centre”, - he said.
“I am assured that by joining efforts we will establish in Ukrainian society the European values and legal standards”, - said Victor Yushchenko, expressing expectancies that the Commissioner’s Office shall further remain active and efficient protector of human rights in Ukraine.
