IMPERATIVE IN UKRAINE TO UPHOLD BASIC VALUES OF DEMOCRACY, FAIR ELECTIONS, SAYS UN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSIONER

2 December 2004


United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour said today she was following developments in the Ukraine closely following the recent polls, underlining that the process as laid down in Ukrainian law must take its course.

"It is imperative at all times to uphold basic values of democracy inherent in inclusive and fair elections", Mrs. Arbour said. "I have been following recent developments closely and I am hopeful that Ukraine's institutions, and in particular the Supreme Court, will have the necessary means to exercise their responsibilities in full independence and impartiality during the current review of the electoral process, thereby contributing to a transparent and democratic settlement of the crisis”.

The High Commissioner also drew the Government's attention to its obligations under international human rights law to ensure that the rights to freedom of expression and assembly are respected.