S.Res. 357 — Introduced in Senate

III 113th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 357 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 12, 2014 Mr. Menendez (for himself and Mr. Risch) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations RESOLUTION Expressing concern for undemocratic governance and the abuse of the rights of individuals in Ukraine. Whereas the political crisis that has engulfed Ukraine reflects the people’s desire for a democratic state which rejects corruption and abides by the rule of law; Whereas Ukraine is a participating State of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and has made commitments to respect the human rights of its citizens; Whereas, in 2009, Ukraine joined the European Union’s Eastern Partnership initiative, pledging to uphold the shared values of democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights; Whereas the Government of Ukraine committed to judicial and electoral reforms to align with those of the European Union in preparation for the signing of an Association Agreement with the European Union; Whereas, on Thursday, November 21, 2013, Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych announced that Ukraine would not sign an Association Agreement with the European Union, causing thousands of Ukrainians to assemble in Kiev’s Maidan Square in peaceful protest; Whereas, on November 30 and December 11, 2013, Ukrainian paramilitary police used excessive force against peaceful demonstrators in Kiev's Maidan Square; Whereas, on January 16, 2014, the parliament of Ukraine passed anti-protest legislation restricting the right to peaceful assembly and the exercise of free speech, constraining independent media, and inhibiting the operation of nongovernmental organizations; Whereas it is unclear whether these measures were passed legally, or have subsequently been entirely repealed; Whereas, on January 20, 2014, Freedom House stated it is deeply concerned by Ukrainian authorities’ targeted violence against journalists during public protests in Kiev—demonstrations spurred by President Viktor Yanukovych’s signing into law measures that tightly limit public protests, among other rollbacks on freedom; Whereas, on January 22, 2014, the actions of authorities in Ukraine resulted in the death of two protestors, including one who was brutally beaten by two riot police officers, according to Amnesty International; Whereas, on January 30, 2014, Freedom House stated that at least five Euromaidan activists are still reported missing, some since November 30, 2013 when anti-government demonstrations intensified; Whereas there are substantiated reports of kidnappings, including the abduction and torture of opposition activist Dmitrii Bulatov, and evidence of police brutality carried out against protesters and other activists, and the Ukrainian nongovernmental organization EuroMaidan SOS claims that as many as 27 people may be missing; Whereas, on January 31, 2014, Human Rights Watch found that Ukrainian police assaulted and injured dozens of journalists and medical workers while trying to disperse street fighters and protesters in Kiev and called upon the international community to press Ukraine to investigate serious human rights violations and prosecute those responsible in accordance with international due process standards; Whereas, on January 31, 2014, Freedom House reported that more than 40 journalists have been injured covering the demonstrations and that [m]any of the reporters were attacked while wearing visible identification of their status as journalists; Whereas the Government of Ukraine has continued to intimidate and use violence against journalists and others expressing political opinions critical of the current government; and Whereas, on January 7, 2014, the United States Senate passed a resolution expressing support for the people of Ukraine in light of public resistance to President Yanukovych’s decision not to sign an Association Agreement with the European Union: Now, therefore, be it That it is the sense of the Senate that— (1) the President should increase democracy and human rights programming in Ukraine to the extent possible; (2) the United States Government should immediately review security assistance funding for any organization in Ukraine involved in repressive efforts that violate the civil or human rights of the people of Ukraine; (3) the United States Mission to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) should utilize the resources and mechanisms of the OSCE to monitor and address human rights concerns, including the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and Representative on Freedom of Media (RFM); (4) the United States Representative to the United Nations Human Rights Council should address Ukraine appropriately to bodies such as the United Nations Human Rights Council; (5) the Department of State should immediately consider the imposition of targeted sanctions, including visa bans and asset freezes, against the perpetrators of state-sanctioned violence in Ukraine against peaceful protesters, journalists, and other members of civil society; (6) the United States Government should urge authorities in Ukraine to locate missing persons and release all political prisoners, including former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, and hold perpetrators of extra-legal measures accountable; (7) the United States Government should work closely with the European Union to strengthen and support its efforts in Ukraine; and (8) the United States Government endorses the statement of the European Union’s Council on Foreign Affairs of February 10, 2014, which stated, A new and inclusive government, constitutional reform bringing back more balance of powers, and preparations for free and fair presidential elections would contribute to bringing Ukraine back on a sustainable path of reforms.