Putin’s bloody war puts democracy under strain in Ukraine – politico.eu

Report on Governance and Institutional Integrity in Ukraine in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

Recent governmental actions in Ukraine have raised concerns regarding the nation’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16), which promotes peace, justice, and strong institutions. Legislative proposals concerning anti-corruption bodies and the prosecution of civil society figures are being scrutinized for their potential impact on democratic principles and the rule of law, particularly under the conditions of martial law.

Challenges to SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

The Ukrainian government’s recent legislative and procedural activities present significant challenges to the achievement of SDG 16 targets, specifically those concerning institutional integrity and anti-corruption efforts.

1. Legislative Oversight of Anti-Corruption Agencies

A proposal to subordinate key anti-corruption agencies, initially justified as a measure to counter foreign interference, has been met with public concern. While the administration has pledged to introduce a new bill to preserve the agencies’ independence, the initial move highlights a potential conflict with SDG 16 targets:

• SDG Target 16.5: Substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms. The independence of anti-corruption bodies is fundamental to achieving this target.
• SDG Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels. Placing these institutions under direct government control could undermine their effectiveness and transparency.

2. Allegations of Procedural Violations and Abuse of Power

Civil society organizations, such as the Agency for Legislative Initiatives, have documented a pattern of alleged procedural violations that threaten the principles of accountable governance central to SDG 16. These incidents include:

1. A Cabinet reshuffle reportedly conducted in violation of procedural rules.
2. The signing of laws in contravention of established legislative deadlines.
3. The controversial legislative proposal regarding the anti-corruption infrastructure itself.

These actions raise fears that the authority granted under martial law may be used to concentrate power, weakening the institutional checks and balances necessary for sustainable development.

Implications for SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The situation also has direct implications for SDG 17, which emphasizes the importance of partnerships between governments, the private sector, and civil society.

Case Study: Prosecution of a Civil Society Activist

The prosecution of Vitaliy Shabunin, a soldier and co-founder of the Anti-Corruption Action Center, exemplifies the potential chilling effect on civil society, a key partner in achieving the SDGs.

• Mr. Shabunin is charged with desertion and fraud, which the government maintains is standard procedure for an absent soldier.
• He contends he was officially assigned to work on reforming army procurement transparency in Kyiv.
• Mr. Shabunin stated, “While persecuting me, the president’s office sends a message to all watchdogs, investigative journalists and Ukrainian servicemen that they can persecute anyone anywhere and at any moment.”

Such actions risk undermining SDG Target 16.10 (Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms) and weaken the collaborative environment essential for SDG 17, where watchdog organizations play a crucial role in ensuring accountability and progress.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  This is the primary SDG addressed in the article. The text focuses extensively on challenges to governance, the rule of law, and institutional integrity in Ukraine. It discusses issues such as the functioning of anti-corruption agencies, abuse of power under martial law, adherence to legal procedures, and the persecution of civil society activists. These themes are central to the goal of promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 16.5: Substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms.

   The article directly relates to this target by discussing the legislative framework for “anti-corruption agencies” and the need for “army procurement transparency.” The prosecution of Vitaliy Shabunin, a co-founder of the “Anti-Corruption Action Center,” highlights the ongoing struggle against corruption and the challenges faced by those pushing for reform.

2. Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.

   This target is evident in the concerns raised about the government’s actions. The article mentions a “common pattern in the government’s abuse of power through violation of rules and procedure,” a “Cabinet reshuffle as violating procedural rules,” and “laws signed in violation of legislative deadlines.” The promise to introduce a new bill that would “preserve the agencies’ independence” also points directly to the goal of building effective and accountable institutions.

3. Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.

   The article touches on this target by noting that President Zelenskyy “heard the public opinion” regarding the controversial legislation, suggesting a degree of responsiveness. Furthermore, the active role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) like the “Agency for Legislative Initiatives” and watchdog groups such as the “Anti-Corruption Action Center” in monitoring government actions and advocating for reform demonstrates the participatory aspect of governance discussed in this target.

4. Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements.

   This target is strongly implied in the quote from Vitaliy Shabunin, who states, “the president’s office sends a message to all watchdogs, investigative journalists and Ukrainian servicemen that they can persecute anyone anywhere and at any moment.” This highlights a perceived threat to the fundamental freedoms of activists and journalists, who are essential for holding power to account.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. For Target 16.5 (Reduce Corruption): The article implies the use of qualitative indicators such as the effectiveness and independence of anti-corruption infrastructure (e.g., the national anti-corruption prevention commission). The “prosecution of Vitaliy Shabunin” can be seen as a negative indicator, suggesting a potential step backward in protecting anti-corruption advocates.
2. For Target 16.6 (Effective Institutions): The article points to several process-based indicators. These include adherence to procedural rules in government actions (like the Cabinet reshuffle) and compliance with legislative deadlines for signing laws. The “violation of rules and procedure” is a clear, albeit non-numerical, indicator of institutional weakness.
3. For Target 16.7 (Responsive Decision-Making): An implied indicator is the government’s responsiveness to public and civil society feedback, as shown by the president’s promise to “fix the situation” after hearing “the public opinion.” The ability of NGOs and watchdogs to operate and voice concerns is another key indicator.
4. For Target 16.10 (Protect Fundamental Freedoms): A direct indicator is the number of verified cases of persecution or harassment of journalists and civil society activists (watchdogs). The article provides a specific case—the prosecution of Vitaliy Shabunin—which serves as a concrete example for this indicator.

Summary Table

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Source: politico.eu