Centre for Democracy and Rule of Law

Description

The Centre for Democracy and Rule of Law, known as CEDEM, is an independent analytical and advocacy organization based in Kyiv, Ukraine. It works to develop independent media and civil society, support European integration, and strengthen the rule of law. CEDEM was founded on 1 February 2005 by media lawyer Taras Shevchenko together with Ihor Rozkladai and Tetiana Oleksiiuk, initially under the name Institute of Media Law. It took its current name in 2016.

Its mission is to help build a society of active and responsible citizens, guided by responsibility, proactivity, effectiveness and impartiality. CEDEM’s experts draft and advocate for quality legislation, monitor and counter threatening bills, and provide independent legal expertise. They advise journalists, volunteers, civil society organizations, activists and officials, and run educational programmes for different audiences. The organization also strengthens the organizational capacity of civil society groups and their coalitions.

CEDEM works to make authorities more accountable and to entrench the rule of law, and it builds partnerships with state bodies. During the war it informs citizens of their rights and duties and helps develop physical, legal, digital and mental security practices for civil society groups, activists and journalists. It runs information campaigns and direct actions, and cooperates with Ukrainian and foreign civil society organizations, state authorities, international institutions and coalitions of civic groups. CEDEM has undergone an independent financial audit every year since 2012 and publishes its financial results.