A memorandum of cooperation was signed between the Ministry of Digital Transformation and the American Bar Association, which operates through its Foundation for Justice and Education and on behalf of the Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI). The relevant Memorandum was signed by Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine for European Integration Valeria Ionan and Plenipotentiary Representative, Director of ABA ROLI in Ukraine Khatuna Murgulia.
The American Bar Association's Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) is an international nonprofit human rights organisation. In Ukraine, ABA ROLI promotes the principles of the rule of law, and free access to justice, supporting Ukraine's efforts to create a fair and functional legal system. ABA ROLI promotes greater independence, accountability and transparency in judicial systems; assists in drafting and implementing codes of judicial ethics; promotes judicial education and training; and helps to enhance court administration and efficiency.
In October 2019, the American Bar Association's Rule of Law Initiative launched the Promoting Internet Freedom in Ukraine project. This 36-month project will help stakeholders uphold laws and policies that promote online freedom and freedom of expression online.
Together with Ukrainian and foreign experts, ABA ROLI in Ukraine organizes events and develops recommendations and analytical documents to improve the Ukrainian situation regarding Internet Freedom and Freedom of Expression. ABA ROLI in Ukraine will also conduct programmes to support the activities of public organizations' activities by providing grants for key actions to support Internet Freedom and Freedom of Expression Online. Together with the partners, they work with government agencies to promote and advocate for change that will strengthen the protection of human rights online against possible and existing violations.
Under the terms of the memorandum of the Ministry of Justice and the American Bar Association, cooperation will be carried out in the format of preparation and implementation of joint activities and educational projects.
At the initial stage, cooperation will begin with work on two main areas:
Development and implementation of joint practical, educational activities on digital rights and development of educational courses and materials.
They facilitate the creation of conditions for the study of best international practices and the exchange of experience in the digital rights of citizens and communication technologies.
The Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine and the American Bar Association plans to develop other cooperation areas further. The memorandum was signed until December 31, 2024 with the possibility of continuing collaboration.
