PASS Ukraine Update
The Parliamentary Centre is excited to launch a new project alongside the Kyiv-based NGO, the Agency for Legislative Initiatives (the Agency). The project Parliamentary Accountability for the Security Sector (PASS) Ukraine will promote peace and stability in the region by supporting the Ukrainian Parliament’s (Verkhovna Rada) Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence, as well as the Committee on Law Enforcement. This project will bolster the Rada’s capacity to implement, oversee, and reform security sector policy and integrate citizens’ voices into the decision-making process, especially those of women and marginalized groups.
The project’s focus on security sector reform is crucial for Ukraine’s new government, especially as conflicts in the region continue to affect Ukrainians both inside and outside the security sector.
Adapting to COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to be flexible and creative in our approach. Both the Parliamentary Centre and the Agency have quickly adapted to new ways of working. The Verkhovna Rada has also continued to operate and has committed to citizen engagement in the project, all remotely. To ensure the program is delivered safely and responsibly, we will make use of online engagement technology.
Developed in partnership with Bang the Table Canada, our EngageParl online engagement platform is a tool to drive inclusive, transparent, and measurable civic engagement between politicians and their constituencies. Using this platform, we will support collaborative learning and discussions between Ukrainian civil society organisations, parliamentary staff and parliamentarians. While we are continuing to adapt to remote working conditions, we are confident that the project will achieve its goals and make a genuine impact on security sector governance.
Our Partner: The Agency for Legislative Initiatives (The Agency)
We are excited to extend our partnership with the Agency, one of Ukraine’s leading analytical think-tanks dedicated to democratic transformation. The Agency has significant experience in implementing projects aimed at ensuring public participation in the legislative process. Their long-standing expertise in monitoring parliamentary affairs and studying Ukrainian parliamentarism, combined with European good practices, is a major asset in strengthening the effectiveness of the Verkhovna Rada. Our previous engagements with the Agency were deeply enriching and we look forward to collaborating with them on this project.
This project is possible thanks to support from the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program (PSOPs) of Global Affairs Canada.
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