International charitable organization Environment-People-Law is seriously concerned about attempts to put pressure on International Renaissance Foundation and other civil society organizations. We found out about facts of hindrances that organizations face in making financial transactions and also repressions on organizations caused by tax agencies and police. All these absolutely unlawful actions are aimed at interfering with functioning of organizations that work in order to establish in Ukraine the rule of law and democratic values of transparency, openness and accountability of authorities as well as to strengthen civil society as a decisive actor of positive changes.
Application of unlawful mechanisms of pressure on civil society prove the fact that authorities are afraid of citizens of their country. This is a fear of reasoned, professional position, joint actions, expert vision of a problematic situation and ways out of it, cooperation with international communities.
History proves that no matter what severe repressions are used against people and how authorities try to suppress people’s striving for the truth and freedom, people win anyway.
We express our support for all institutes of civil society that are working selflessly for the benefit of Ukrainian people and we call for unity and mutual assistance during this very difficult time for Ukraine. Together we will be able to effectively oppose pressure on and destruction of Ukrainian people and their effective structures – civil society organizations.
