Venice Commission confirms that Ukraine's Lustration Law is in line with international standards and resolutions of the Council of Europe

Experts of the Venice Commission have confirmed the right of the Ukrainian state to clean power from those who were involved in usurpation of power by former President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych. Justice Minister Pavel Petrenko informed about this following a meeting of the Venice Commission on Friday, June 19.

The final conclusion of the Venice Commission states that the Law of Ukraine on lustration does not contradict and is consistent with international standards and resolutions of the Council of Europe.

Pavlo Petrenko has noted that lustration processes in Ukraine do not constitute a violation of human rights, as a democratic state is entitled to require civil servants to be loyal to the constitutional principles on which it is founded.

According to him, Ukrainian authorities will take into account technical comments that have been made as to property lustration examination and the functioning of an independent anti-corruption body while working out amendments to the Law on lustration in the Parliament.

The Venice Commission has supported the Ukraine's position that under the concept of "democracy that can defend itself," the state has the right to determine requirements for access to public service to those who have proved ineffective, and remove from access to public office those persons who may be a threat to the democratic system.

In conclusion, it was rightly noted that lustration should not apply to elective office. The law does not prohibit such persons to be elected, but introduces the obligation to inform voters whether they fall within the criteria of lustration. A similar practice was used in Poland. The Venice Commission notes that this procedure will not contradict the international standards.