The presentation of Ukraine's experience in the field of public participation in international processes was by and large a failure. Although there can hardly be any remarks made regarding the facts presented, its emotional content literally struck the members of the Working Group. Firstly, the information provided was so "positive" that it sharply contrasted with the regular recognition by the Meeting of the Parties of Ukraine’s systematic violations of the Convention. Some of the delegations were under the impression that we were talking about some other country. Secondly, in its speech the Ukrainian delegation too often appealed to the policy of President V. Yanukovych and the Government of Ukraine. Typically, we hear such passages at international forums from representatives of the countries where dictatorial modes of government dominate. In particular, similar performances were inherent to the representatives of official delegations of Turkmenistan within the framework of the Aarhus Convention. The moderate applause in the dead silence of the hall at the end of the presentation signaled the rejection of the report by the audience.
The next Meeting of the Parties will not take place in Ukraine. The delegation of Ukraine did not confirm its willingness to hold the Conference of the Parties in Ukraine, so the Bureau will make a decision on this issue on its own. Ultimately, the position of delegation of Ukraine can be seen as justified. Taking into account the absence of political will in Ukraine to correct mistakes in this field, the Parties of the Convention would probably say no to granting it such a privilege.
Globe Europe and the European ECO Forum made a statement on the persecution of environmental activists in Belarus and Ukraine. In particular, calling for an objective investigation into the death of V. Honcharenko, a topic which concerns Ukraine. The official delegation of Ukraine in response made a declaration that the Minister of Environment created a commission of inquiry into the facts, made public by V. Honcharenko shortly before his death. Ukraine officially promised to complete the investigation by September 10, 2012, and make the results public. The Bureau of the Convention is likely to take this issue under its own control.
NGOs that participated in the Meeting of the Working Group under the aegis of the European ECO Forum, held positions on every issue of the agenda. A plan assessing the effectiveness of the work of the Convention, a plan for the development of a new Strategic Plan for the Convention, finances and budget were the main “problem” issues.
On the initiative of Denmark that presides over the EU on behalf of Cyprus, there were consultations separately held on these and other issues between the delegations of the EU member countries and the European ECO Forum.
