SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF OPINION AND EXPRESSION TO VISIT UKRAINE

Geneva, 10 May 2007: - - The Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression, Mr. Ambeyi Ligabo, will be visiting Ukraine from 14 to 18 May 2007, at the invitation of the Government.

During his visit, the Special Rapporteur will meet in Kiev with high level State authorities, relevant national institutions, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, and professional associations in order to gather first-hand information relevant to the exercise of the right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression.

The Special Rapporteur will prepare a report on his findings, including a list of conclusions and recommendations, to be presented to the Human Rights Council.

The mandate of Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression was established by United Nations Commission on Human Rights, in resolution 1993/45, and extended by the Human Rights Council by its decision 1/102. Mr. Ambeyi Ligabo, who was appointed in August 2002, is the second Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression.