OTTAWA CONFERENCE AND HEARINGS: COMMENTS OF BCU FOUNDATION YOUNG LEADERS DELEGATION - Canadian issues

There is no question that the conference, “Ukraine at the Crossroads” and parliamentary hearings on the status of human rights in Ukraine – all of which took place in Ottawa from March 5th-8th – left an impression on those attending. The inclusion of world-renowned academics and historians, as well as the heartfelt cooperation of the Canadian government, showed that the world is deeply concerned about Ukraine’s well-being - a comforting thought for those who live in the Ukrainian diaspora, and long for their homeland’s economic and political freedom. Though many express this sentiment, it is perhaps the most refreshing to know that young people in the Ukrainian community stand ready not only to learn about the tribulations of their homeland, but to share the heavy burden of eradicating them.

With financial sponsorship from the BCU Foundation, young Ukrainian students and professionals from across Canada were able to attend the conference and hearings in Ottawa, and witness firsthand the efforts of the Canadian government on the issue of Ukraine. Below are the humble thoughts of some of these young members of the Ukrainian community from their experiences at these events.

At the conference, “Ukraine at the Crossroads,” much emphasis was placed on the Canadian government’s potential role in helping ensure fair and legitimate elections in Ukraine. As many of the speakers suggested, this is a long term enterprise, with a long term goal in mind. The most resoundingly logical way of accomplishing this, in my mind, is to engage the civil society in Ukraine, as many of the testifiers from Ukraine had underscored. The typical Ukrainian citizen is wary of challenging the established administration - a right some take for granted in Canada - for fear of the repercussions. The result of challenging the authority of the Yanukovych government is plainly evident, with the imprisonment of high-profile opposition leaders like Lutsenko and Tymoshenko acting as the most prominent examples. Speakers at the conference, most notably Valentyn Nalivaychenko and Ihor Kozak, called upon the Canadian government to facilitate cooperation between Canadian and Ukrainian NGOs. Candid recommendations by the government of Canada to Ukraine have been ostensibly successful and well received over the past two years; yet, they have resulted in nothing more than lip service paid by the Yanukovych administration. In Ukraine itself, the deliberate targeting of the intelligentsia appears unnervingly similar to the same kind of persecution by the Soviet regime in Ukraine in the late 1920s and early 1930s. The method is different today, but the intent is the same – to suppress the voice of any opinion contrary to that of the administration. The solution to the problem in Ukraine, therefore, must be bottom up, and not top down.

Musings aside, I eagerly await the resolutions of the Canadian government that will stem from this conference. With the 2012 Parliamentary elections in Ukraine fast approaching, and given the Canadian government’s earnest commitments to seeing a democratic and prosperous Ukraine, I hope the Canadian approach to Ukraine in the near future will be unequivocal and proactive.

I was delighted to attend the “Ukraine at the Crossroads” conference and banquet. The speakers and session moderators were world class. To witness academics from Chatham House, the Council of Foreign Relations, the Peterson Institute, as well as the Russian Academy of Sciences in the same room was a great privilege. Typically, the Ukrainian diaspora is culpable of groupthink. This is especially so as it relates to issues pertaining to Ukraine. As such, the conference was instructive. I was pleased to see experts testify on such matters as energy indepenedence, European integration, and economic development - all vital to Ukraine's growth and evolution. The exercise also challenged many of my personal assumptions. This was particularly refreshing. In tandem, we also witnessed the participation of many senior policy and decision makers. Ideally, this conference will reinforce the need for continued monitoring of the situation in Ukraine by the Canadian government. Obviously, the upcoming parliamentary elections will be crucial. Additionally, perhaps the conference presented the case for new and innovative policy options. This is certainly my hope.

As a youth leader in the Ukrainian community in Ottawa, attending the banquet and conference “Ukraine at the Crossroads” was a particularly unique and enlightening experience. As a central focus of the conference, help was called out to the Ukrainian community in Canada; in particular, in hopes of reaching out and addressing the corruption and injustices currently occurring in Ukraine, as well as ensuring a democratic election process in the upcoming parliamentary elections. As a graduating criminology student at the University of Ottawa, the injustices taking place within the criminal justice system in Ukraine is beyond evident; a primary example being the unlawful imprisonment of opposition leaders like Lutsenko and Tymoshenko.

Danylo Bilak, one of the distinguished speakers of Session I, entitled “Democratic Governance, Rule of Law, Human Rights and Media Freedom” addressed a particularly relevant concept as he proposed that the rule of law can be used in a strategic manner to either legitimize or abuse forms of power. This very clearly reflects the current political state in Ukraine as the rule of law continues to be used by the Yanukovych government to abuse its power, resulting in innocent Ukrainians falling victims to lawlessness in Ukraine. The amalgamation of various distinguished international speakers throughout this conference has served to loudly voice the concern for the future political direction of Ukraine. An initial step towards addressing the corruption and injustices currently occurring begins with a strong Canadian election observer presence in Ukraine this upcoming October. As a youth leader in my Ukrainian community and graduating criminology student who is passionate about the advocacy of a legitimate and impartial criminal justice system, I am exceptionally eager to travel to Ukraine as an observer for the 2012 parliamentary elections.

As an important iconic figure, Lady Justice, a woman depicted as blindfolded, holding a set of scales, and a double-edged sword has historically served to represent the importance of impartiality and truth in the court room. It remains questionable but apparent that regarding the current political situation in Ukraine, Lady Justice can be depicted as a woman without a blindfold, holding an unbalanced set of scales, with a one edged sword. When will justice be served?

The conference “Ukraine at the Crossroads” brought together a panel of diverse speakers from all over the world, resulting in an informative and captivating day. I found the perspectives of the speakers and moderators who were neither from Ukraine nor members of the Ukrainian Diaspora to be especially interesting. As a Ukrainian Canadian, this was a rare and refreshing opportunity to hear the frank views on Ukraine from experts whose opinions are not influenced by an emotional or ancestral connection to Ukraine.

In my opinion, it would have been beneficial if more young adults- university students and young professionals- had attended the conference. Although it is imperative for the government of Canada to assist Ukraine in conducting the upcoming 2012 Parliamentary Elections fairly and with integrity, this assistance will be insufficient in the long term. Canada must remain committed to supporting Ukraine in her pursuit of a legitimate democracy and lasting fundamental institutional reforms. It is the Ukrainian Canadian youth who will be charged with the responsibility of making decisions regarding this continual support. Youth must be educated and engaged in the present to understand why it is important to continue to help Ukraine reclaim control of her political and economic future. The “Ukraine at the Crossroads” provided one such opportunity to educate and engage youth. These future decision-makers of Canada must first be equipped with knowledge before they can be committed to helping Ukraine make strides in the right direction, away from the crossroads.

In past visits to Ottawa and meetings with Members of Parliament, I have been witness to the challenges of ensuring a community’s voice is heard by the powers that be. The conference “Ukraine at the Crossroads” opened my eyes to the results of these efforts. I heard many positive statements from high-ranking officials regarding recommendations on Canada’s foreign policy towards Ukraine and its current government. Other interesting political figures from Ukraine and the surrounding areas also gave insight into the current political and economic environments in Eastern Europe. The sessions have led to a stronger interest in the political well-being of the land my grandparents called home. I hope the Canadian Government responds to the recommendations stemming from this conference, leading to a more focused effort on strengthening democratic principles in Ukraine.

The "Ukraine at the Crossroads" conference brought together a high-calibre group of individuals interested in Ukrainian issues, including experts in fields such as geopolitics, human rights, security and economics, as well as former and current politicians, businessmen, and community leaders. The participants' multitude of perspectives and expertise distinguished the conference by allowing for the discussion and exchange of ideas across a variety of issues, each incredibly important to understanding not only Ukraine's current position at a crossroads, but its various options for future development as well. It is my hope that all conference participants will be mindful of the many valuable lessons they have taken away with them, and apply them in whatever capacity possible to ensure a future for Ukraine that is free, stable, just and prosperous. Its people, after all, deserve no less.

The “Ukraine at the Crossroads” Conference featured an impressive array of experts, professionals and government leaders informed about and invested in the current situation in Ukraine. Danylo Bilak, CMS Cameron McKenna, Kyiv, spoke of addressing the causes rather that only focusing on the effects of the problems in Ukraine; if your coffee mug is overflowing, you must first stop pouring and only then mop the floor.

Change can only occur if the system itself is revolutionized, which is a long, grueling, and painstakingly slow process. The banal bureaucracy that survives the change in leadership must change. This ‘system revolution’ must address the integrity of the most fundamental aspects of society: law enforcement, the judicial system, mass media, academia, etc... Without the renewal of these fundamental institutions, any political victory can be quickly and easily retarded, even reverted by those who occupy these positions that would implement well-intentioned political efforts.

While how to initiate or support this kind of revolution of the system has no easy answer, many speakers offered specific suggestions relating to their respective fields of expertise. I hope that the conference’s wide-ranging consideration of the problems impressed the importance of supporting Ukraine, and that the proposed solutions informed how to best support Ukraine throughout the various avenues explored.

What can we do as youth? Ukrainian Canadian youth must be vigilant and protective of the homeland of our ancestors as several issues are flourishing. Educational institutions in Canada are founded on the notion of free speech and thus we must embrace this freedom and start discussion, provoke debate, and educate and communicate with others of our concerns to help manifest a brighter future for Ukraine.

The "Ukraine at the Crossroads" conference reinforced the notion that it is well outside the bounds of the Ukrainian diaspora community that there is genuine interest in the well-being of Ukraine as an "independent" country. Individuals from various present and past governments positions, national and international research groups, and community leaders recognize and show concern regarding the condition the Ukrainian government has allowed its country to slip into. The speakers portrayed fascinating presentations beset with a superb caliber of knowledge - an absolute pleasure to listen to and learn from! From this, came inspiration and great encouragement in helping Ukraine choose the correct path at its position of being at the crossroads.

Preceding the Conference “Ukraine at the Crossroads”, the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development held 2 days of Parliamentary Hearings on the situation in Ukraine in the House of Commons. Witnesses were brought in from Ukraine and the European Union to testify and shed light on how human rights, the rule of law and democracy are in jeopardy in Ukraine. One of the key messages was that international election observers are needed for the upcoming Parliamentary Elections in Ukraine in October of 2012. The way in which the Parliamentary elections are conducted will dictate the future sovereignty of Ukraine thus it is imperative that the elections be transparent, free and fair. As a former CANADEM election observer and youth intern who lived in Ukraine, I understand and have seen how Canada and the free world can positively affect Ukrainian civil society to unite and stand up for their rights and freedom; a sentiment that was reiterated by witnesses during the hearings. I was particularly pleased to hear our members of parliament advocate for Ukraine – its statehood and its people, and provide assurance that the Canadian government will continue to be a friend of Ukraine and will stand in solidarity as it struggles to maintain its independence and fight the corruption that plagues it. Witnessing first hand our current government take interest, show concern and offer support to a country that desperately needs guidance and leadership made me tremendously proud to be a Canadian.

As a Political Science student I had never imagined I would meet the professors and authors of the works I have often quoted in my essays, professors such as Anders Aslund, Mykola Riabchuk, James Sherr and Serhiy Kudelia. I had thought that meeting Ukrainian political figures who are so often talked about and have almost become legends in the Ukrainian struggle for independence and democracy was beyond my reach. Having a chance to meet, speak with and listen to professors, politicians and community leaders was truly inspiring. Most importantly, the “Ukraine at the Crossroads” Conference was stimulating and thought provoking and not only outlined the issues of today’s democratic situation in Ukraine, but provided practical alternatives which can unite progressive democratic organization and inspire and empower the people in Ukraine. The two days spend in Ottawa have completely altered my views on the paradigm regarding Ukraine’s economic future, drainage of locally-generated money, and the power of students in the sphere of politics. The conference was a successful international initiative on building Ukrainian democracy “of the people, by the people and for the people.

What I most enjoyed about the conference was the scope of speakers and moderators we heard from throughout both the opening banquet and conference itself. These individuals, who were from all over North America and Europe, came from a diverse set of backgrounds—politicians, professors, activists, and simply people trying to make a difference, to name a few. Listening to each speaker share their experiences and insights provided an excellent basis upon which I was able to form my own opinions.

Most importantly, however, I learned a great deal about the current situation in Ukraine. Though I was already aware of much of what was going on, the presenters provided detailed information as to how the situation came to be, and where exactly Ukraine may be headed if the current Yanukovich regime continues on its path away from democracy and toward totalitarianism.

It was also interesting to hear such a diverse set of individuals share similar ideas as to how to improve Ukraine’s current situation. Some pointed to the need to engage civil society in Ukraine to become more politically active, and many others stressed the need for Canada (and other countries) to send as many observers as possible to Ukraine for the upcoming Parliamentary elections, to ensure they are free, fair, and truly democratic.

I am looking forward to the concrete action which will arise out of the conference and the Parliamentary hearings. Canada, as a country, is in a strong position to be able to help Ukraine move towards becoming a nation which holds democracy and human rights as two key values, and from the “Ukraine at the Crossroads” conference, I took away a spirited optimism that Canada may just do its part.