OSCE/ODIHR Opinion on the Draft Law of Ukraine on Public Consultations

This Opinion on the Draft Law of Ukraine "On Public Consultations" was prepared in response to a request from the First Deputy Minister of Justice of Ukraine received by ODIHR in July 2016.

The OSCE/ODIHR notes many positive aspects of the Draft Law which correspond to international standards and good practices, such as  the wide scope of documents which shall undergo public consultations and their detailed explanation, as well as setting up a list of principles to render the consultation process transparent, accessible and inclusive. At the same time, the Draft Law would benefit from certain changes involving, in particular, the establishment of clear procedures and designated responsibilities with respect to the imposition of sanctions and the introduction of liability for breaching the procedure for holding public consultations; moreover, monitoring of the consultation process should also be conducted by an independent body.