The Ukrainian Canadian Congress ( UCC ; Ukrainian : Конгрес Українців Канади ; French: Congrès des Ukrainiens Canadiens ) is a nonprofit umbrella organization of Ukrainian-Canadian political, cultural, and religious organizations founded in 1940.
75-601: Ukrainians immigrated to Canada at the turn of the 20th century, settling mostly in rural areas of the prairie provinces. Given the church services were required all the more by the new settlers, and in 1918 the autonomous Ukrainian Greek-Orthodox Church of Canada was established. Between 1903 and 1920 Ukrainian Canadians started many organizations and institutions (Ridna Shkola, Taras Shevchenko Institute in Edmonton, Andrey Sheptycky Ukrainian Bursa in Winnipeg among others). With
150-626: A choice. These asymmetrical advances on another country cannot be tolerated. The international system will collapse if they are." On 18 December 2014, the EU banned some investments in Crimea, halting support for Russian Black Sea oil and gas exploration and stopping European companies from purchasing real estate or companies in Crimea, or offering tourism services. On 19 December 2014, US president Obama imposed sanctions on Russian-occupied Crimea by executive order prohibiting exports of US goods and services to
225-462: A decree recognizing Crimea as an independent state, laying the groundwork for the annexation of Crimea by Russia . The principal EU sanction aimed to "prevent the entry into ... their territories of the natural persons responsible for actions which undermine ... the territorial integrity ... of Ukraine, and of natural persons associated with them, as listed in the Annex". The EU imposed its sanctions "in
300-657: A large number of countries, including the United States , Canada , the European Union , and international organisations following the Russian annexation of Crimea , which began in late February 2014. Belarus has also been sanctioned for its cooperation with and assistance to Russian armed forces. The sanctions were imposed against individuals, businesses, and officials from Russia and Ukraine . Russia responded with sanctions against several countries, including
375-422: A military end user, a ban on imports of arms and related material, controls on export of equipment for the oil industry , and a restriction on the issuance of and trade in certain bonds , equity or similar financial instruments on a maturity greater than 90 days (In September 2014 lowered to 30 days) On 24 July 2014, Canada targeted Russian arms, energy and financial entities. On 5 August 2014, Japan froze
450-617: A total ban on food imports from Australia , Canada , Norway , Japan , the United States , the EU and the United Kingdom . The sanctions contributed to the value's reduction of the Russian ruble and worsened the economic impact of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine . They also caused economic damage to the EU economy , with total losses estimated at €100 billion (as of 2015 ). As of 2014 , Russia's finance minister announced that
525-645: Is Alexandra Chyczij. The previous UCC National President was Paul M. Grod (2007–2018), who later became the President of the Ukrainian World Congress . The UCC has issued the Shevchenko Medal to the following recipients within the last ten years: 2013 Triennial Conference (Toronto) 2016 Triennial Conference (Regina) 2019 Triennial Conference (Ottawa) 2022 Triennial Conference (Winnipeg) There are six Provincial Councils under
600-560: The 1991 fall of the Soviet Union . Japan also announced sanctions against Russia, which included the suspension of talks regarding military matters, space, investment, and visa requirements . A few days later, the US government expanded the sanctions. On 19 March, Australia imposed sanctions against Russia after its annexation of Crimea. These sanctions targeted financial dealings and travel bans on those who have been instrumental in
675-532: The 2018 Donbass general elections . On 2 August 2019, the U.S State Department announced additional sanctions together with an executive order signed by President Trump which gives the Department of Treasury and the Department of Commerce the authority to implement the sanctions. The sanctions forbid granting Russia loans or other assistance from international financial institutions , prohibition on U.S banks buy non-ruble denominated bonds issued by
750-470: The Central Bank of Russia was blocked from accessing more than $ 400 billion in foreign-exchange reserves held abroad and the EU imposed sanctions on several Russian oligarchs and politicians. Bjoern Seibert , head of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's Cabinet , was in charge of leading the EU's negotiations with the US on the sanction's implementation. Sergei Aleksashenko ,
825-714: The Crimean region without the authorization of the Government of Ukraine" and whose actions were found, inter alia , to "undermine democratic processes and institutions in Ukraine". On 17 March 2014, the United States, the European Union, and Canada introduced specifically targeted sanctions, the day after the disputed Crimean referendum and a few hours before Russian president Vladimir Putin signed
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#1732780024433900-954: The National Endowment for Democracy , the MacArthur Foundation and the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation . The list also includes the Polish-based Education for Democracy foundation and the East European Democratic Centre as well as three Ukrainian organizations: The Ukrainian World Congress , the Ukrainian World Coordinating Council and the Crimean Field Mission on Human Rights . After
975-746: The annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation and the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine , some governments and international organisations, led by the United States and European Union , imposed sanctions on Russian individuals and businesses. As the unrest expanded into other parts of Eastern Ukraine , and later escalated into the ongoing war in the Donbass region , the scope of the sanctions increased. Overall, three types of sanctions were imposed: ban on provision of technology for oil and gas exploration, ban on provision of credits to Russian oil companies and state banks, travel restrictions on
1050-647: The occupied territories of Ukraine ): most of the affected organizations are based in Germany, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Russia's human rights ombudsperson Ella Pamfilova said the power given to the Prosecutor General to designate groups "undesirable" without going to court contradicts the Russian constitution and condemned the lack of a right to appeal. German Chancellor Angela Merkel 's spokesperson said that
1125-685: The '20s and '30s including USRL, UNF, the Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood and others. The need for unified action by the Ukrainian community became urgent in 1938 to react to events affecting Ukrainians in Europe and the beginning of WWII. The community was anxious to unite under one representative committee. The final and conclusive impetus for unity came in 1940 from the National War Services of Canada which
1200-551: The 2016 United States elections . In August 2017, the US Congress enacted the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act that imposed new sanctions on Russia for interference in the 2016 elections and its involvement in Ukraine and Syria. The act converted the punitive measures previously imposed by executive orders into law to prevent the president easing, suspending or ending of sanctions without
1275-628: The Act. In December 2016, Congress enacted the Global Magnitsky Act to allow the US Government to sanction foreign government officials implicated in human rights abuses anywhere in the world. On 21 December 2017, 13 additional names were added to the list of sanctioned individuals, not just Russians. Other countries passed similar laws to ban foreigners deemed guilty of human rights abuses from entering their countries. In response to
1350-506: The Duma be included on the sanctions list. The sanctions were expanded to include prominent Russian businessmen and women a few days later. On 10 April, the Council of Europe suspended the voting rights of Russia's delegation. On 28 April, the United States imposed a ban on business transactions within its territory on seven Russian officials, including Igor Sechin , executive chairman of
1425-526: The EU in July. On 14 August 2014, Ukraine passed a law introducing Ukrainian sanctions against Russia. The law includes 172 individuals and 65 entities in Russia and other countries for supporting and financing "terrorism" in Ukraine, though actual sanctions would need approval from Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council . On 11 September 2014, US president Obama said that the United States would join
1500-416: The EU in imposing tougher sanctions on Russia's financial, energy and defence sectors. On 12 September 2014, the United States imposed sanctions on Russia's largest bank (Sberbank), a major arms maker and arctic ( Rostec ), deepwater and shale exploration by its biggest oil companies ( Gazprom , Gazprom Neft , Lukoil , Surgutneftegas and Rosneft ). Sberbank and Rostec will have limited ability to access
1575-433: The EU increased its sanction list to cover 151 individuals and 37 entities. Australia indicated that it would follow the EU in new sanctions. On 18 February 2015, Canada added 37 Russian citizens and 17 Russian entities to its sanction list. Rosneft and the deputy minister of defence, Anatoly Antonov , were both sanctioned. In June 2015 Canada added three individuals and 14 entities, including Gazprom . Media suggested
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#17327800244331650-581: The European Union and the United States on 12 August 2014. The Norwegian foreign minister Børge Brende said that it would also impose restrictions similar to the EU's 1 August sanctions. Russian state-owned banks will be banned from taking long-term and mid-term loans, arms exports will be banned and supplies of equipment, technology and assistance to the Russian oil sector will be prohibited. On 14 August 2014, Switzerland expanded sanctions against Russia over its threat to Ukraine's sovereignty. Swiss government added 26 more Russians and pro-Russian Ukrainians to
1725-524: The Federal Council's vote to include the MacArthur Foundation on the recommended list of "undesirable organizations", it announced the closing of its Russian division, operating since 1992. In July 2015, the National Endowment for Democracy became the first organization to be officially blacklisted by the Russian authorities under the law. The decision by the Office of the Prosecutor General of
1800-636: The List should be made on the basis of clear and detailed criteria following a judicial decision or, at least, the decision should be subject to an appropriate judicial appeal . International sanctions during the Russo-Ukrainian War Post-Minsk II conflict Attacks on civilians Related International sanctions have been imposed against Russia and Crimea during the Russo-Ukrainian War by
1875-570: The Office of the Public Prosecutor and the lack of specific judicial guarantees in the Federal Law, contradicts the principle of legality. The automatic legal consequences (blanket prohibitions) imposed upon NGOs whose activities are declared undesirable (prohibition to organise and conduct mass actions and public events or to distribute information materials) may only be acceptable in extreme cases of NGOs constituting serious threat to
1950-704: The Open Society Institute Assistance Foundation represents a threat to the foundations of the constitutional system of the Russian Federation and the security of the state". Ahead of the March 2018 presidential election , two European organizations involved in election monitoring were added. As of 21 November 2024 , the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation declared 194 overseas and international non-governmental organizations "undesirable" in Russia (including
2025-439: The Russia after 26 August and lending non-ruble denominated funds to Russia and licensing restrictions for exports of items for chemical and biological weapons proliferation reasons. In September 2019, pursuant to Executive Order 13685 Maritime Assistance LLC was placed under sanctions due to its export of fuel to Syria as well as for providing support to Sovfracht, another company sanctioned for operating in Crimea. Later in
2100-415: The Russian Federation was announced on its website where it was claimed that NED's activities "pose a threat to constitutional order of the Russian Federation, defense potential and security of the state". Among NED's alleged violations were its donations to commercial and non-profit organizations that independently monitor elections, as well as for undefined "political activities" and "discrediting service in
2175-412: The Russian Federation" ) is a law that was signed by President Vladimir Putin on 23 May 2015 as a follow-up to the 2012 Russian foreign agent law and Dima Yakovlev Law . Under the law, Russian prosecutors are able to target foreign groups which they deem to present "a threat to the foundation of the constitutional order of the Russian Federation, the defense capability of the country or the security of
2250-404: The Russian state oil company Rosneft , and 17 Russian companies. On the same day, the EU issued travel bans against a further 15 individuals. The EU also stated the aims of EU sanctions as: sanctions are not punitive, but designed to bring about a change in policy or activity by the target country, entities or individuals. Measures are therefore always targeted at such policies or activities,
2325-423: The Russian threat to Ukraine's sovereignty. Australian sanctions were expanded on 21 May. In early April, Albania , Iceland and Montenegro , as well as Ukraine , imposed the same restrictions and travel bans as those of the EU on 17 March. Igor Lukšić , foreign minister of Montenegro, said that despite a "centuries old-tradition" of good ties with Russia, joining the EU in imposing sanctions had "always been
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2400-822: The UCC National umbrella, which bring together hundreds of provincial Ukrainian Canadian community groups. Branches of the Ukrainian Canadian community work at the local/civic level. They are all under the umbrella of UCC National however they are separate legal entities. In addition to its provincial councils and local branches, the Ukrainian Canadian Congress consists of numerous national members: Source: Russian undesirable organizations law The Russian undesirable organizations law (officially Federal Law of 23.05.2015 N 129-FZ "On amendments of some legislative acts of
2475-420: The US debt markets. The sanction on the oil companies seek to ban co-operation with Russian oil firms on energy technology and services by companies including ExxonMobil and BP . On 24 September 2014, Japan banned the issue of securities by 5 Russian banks and also tightened restrictions on defence exports to Russia. On 3 October 2014, US vice president Joe Biden said that "It was America's leadership and
2550-514: The Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko issued a decree that named nearly 400 individuals, more than 90 companies and other entities to be sanctioned for the Russia's "criminal activities and aggression against Ukraine." In April 2016, Lithuania sanctioned 46 individuals who were involved in the detention and sentencing of Ukrainian citizens Nadiya Savchenko , Oleh Sentsov , and Olexandr Kolchenko . Lithuanian foreign minister Linas Linkevičius said that his country wanted to "focus attention on
2625-477: The United States imposed sanctions on persons and companies involved in the Russian shipbuilding industry in response to the Kerch Strait incident : Yaroslavsky Shipbuilding Plant, Zelenodolsk Shipyard Plant, AO Kontsern Okeanpribor, PAO Zvezda (Zvezda), AO Zavod Fiolent (Fiolent), GUP RK KTB Sudokompozit (Sudokompozit), LLC SK Consol-Stroi LTD and LLC Novye Proekty. Also, the U.S. targeted persons involved in
2700-499: The UАЕ. The UАЕ-based Crynofist Aviation was also targeted, which provides spare parts for airplanes. Additionally, the U.S. imposed more than 500 sanctions on Moscow and its accomplices for funding the war and for the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny . Sanctioned individuals include notable and high-level central government personnel and businessmen on all sides. In addition, companies suggested for possible involvement in
2775-682: The [Russian] armed forces". In November 2015, two branches of George Soros ' charity network, the Open Society Foundations and the Open Society Institute Assistance Foundation, were banned under this law in Russia. The infractions were not listed, but the Office of the Prosecutor General of the Russian Federation released a statement stating that "the activity of the Open Society Foundations and
2850-436: The absence of de-escalatory steps by the Russian Federation" in order to bring an end to the violence in eastern Ukraine. The EU at the same time clarified that the union "remains ready to reverse its decisions and reengage with Russia when it starts contributing actively and without ambiguities to finding a solution to the Ukrainian crisis". These 17 March sanctions were the most wide-ranging sanctions used against Russia since
2925-673: The annexation of Crimea and the War in Donbas, tensions already existed between Russia and the United States over human rights issues. In December 2012, the U.S. enacted the Magnitsky Act , intended to punish Russian officials responsible for the death of Russian tax accountant Sergei Magnitsky in a Moscow prison in 2009 by prohibiting their entry to the US and use of its banking system and also to grant permanent normal trade relations status to Russia. 18 individuals were originally affected by
3000-431: The approval of Congress. On 15 March 2018, Trump imposed financial sanctions under the act on the 13 Russian government hackers and front organizations that had been indicted by Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections. On 6 April 2018, the United States imposed economic sanctions on seven Russian oligarchs and 12 companies they control, accusing them of "malign activity around
3075-459: The assets of "individuals and groups supporting the separation of Crimea from Ukraine" and restrict imports from Crimea and froze funds for new projects in Russia in line with the policy of the EBRD . On 8 August 2014, Australia announced that Australia is "working towards" tougher sanctions against Russia. On 12 August 2014, Norway adopted the tougher sanctions against Russia that were imposed by
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3150-615: The controversial issues have also been sanctioned. On 6 March 2014, U.S. president Barack Obama , invoking, inter alia , the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the National Emergencies Act , signed an executive order declaring a national emergency and ordering sanctions, including travel bans and the freezing of U.S. assets, against not-yet-specified individuals who had "asserted governmental authority in
3225-550: The country without reporting the money to tax authorities, Igor Rotenberg , principal owner of Russian oil and gas drilling company Gazprom Burenie , Andrei Skoch , a deputy in the State Duma . U.S. officials said he has longstanding ties to Russian organized criminal groups , Viktor Vekselberg , founder and chairman of the Renova Group , asset management company, and Aleksandr Torshin . In August 2018, following
3300-549: The default position is of denial. Also, on September that year a list of companies in the space and defense industry came under sanctions, including: AeroComposit, Divetechnoservices, Scientific-Research Institute "Vektor", Nilco Group, Obinsk Research and Production Enterprise, Aviadvigatel, Information Technology and Communication Systems (Infoteks), Scientific and Production Corporation of Precision Instruments Engineering and Voronezh Scientific Research Institute "Vega", whom are forbidden from doing business with. In March 2019,
3375-594: The globe", along with 17 top Russian officials, the state-owned weapons-trading company Rosoboronexport and the Russian Financial Corporation Bank (RFC Bank). High-profile names on the list include Oleg Deripaska and Kiril Shamalov , Putin's ex-son-in-law, who married Putin's daughter Katerina Tikhonova in February 2013. The press release stated: "Deripaska has been investigated for money laundering, and has been accused of threatening
3450-471: The influential Russian citizens close to President Putin and involved in the annexation of Crimea. The Russian government responded in kind, with sanctions against some Canadian and American individuals and, in August 2014, with a total ban on food imports from the European Union, United States, Norway, Canada and Australia. As of December 2023, the Russian nuclear industry remained exempt from sanctions and
3525-577: The invasion of Ukraine, thus making it the first country in Southeast Asia to impose sanctions upon Russia; the move was described by the South China Morning Post as being "almost unprecedented". The sanctions also included materials that could be used for weapons against Ukraine, as well as electronics, technology devices and other related equipment, which were listed in a detailed statement on 5 March. On 28 February 2022,
3600-423: The latest extension of sanctions until 31 July 2022. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the United States, the EU, and other countries introduced or significantly expanded sanctions to include Vladimir Putin and other government officials. They also cut off selected Russian banks from SWIFT . The 2022 boycott of Russia and Belarus triggered the 2022 Russian financial crisis . Before
3675-437: The law is unclear in many areas and can be used to silence dissent. Supporters of the bill claim that this law is vital for the preservation of national security. The proponents revealed that an initial idea of the law was to expand the action of the "foreign agent law" onto foreign noncommercial organizations as well, but after the introduction of economic sanctions against Russia they decided to incorporate economic aspects in
3750-420: The law was an attempt to further isolate and discredit members of civil society who were critical of the government. Britain's Minister for Europe , David Lidington , said it was "yet another example of the Russian authorities' harassment of NGOs and those who work with them in Russia". The US State Department stated it was "deeply troubled" by the law and expressed concern that it "will further restrict
3825-480: The list. The Swiss government said it is expanding measures to prevent the circumvention of sanctions relating to the situation in Ukraine to include the third round of sanctions imposed by the EU in July and also stated that five Russian banks will require authorisation to issue long-term financial instruments in Switzerland. On 28 August 2014, Switzerland amended its sanctions to include the sanctions imposed by
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#17327800244333900-555: The lives of business rivals, illegally wiretapping a government official, and taking part in extortion and racketeering. There are also unsubstantiated allegations that Deripaska bribed a government official, ordered the murder of a businessman in the 1990's, and had links to a Russian organized crime group." Other names on the list include: Oil tycoon Vladimir Bogdanov , Suleyman Kerimov , who faced money-laundering charges in France for allegedly bringing hundreds of millions of euros into
3975-466: The means to conduct them and those responsible for them. At the same time, the EU makes every effort to minimise adverse consequences for the civilian population or for legitimate activities. In response to the escalating War in Donbass , on 17 July 2014 the United States extended its transactions ban to two major Russian energy firms, Rosneft and Novatek , and to two banks, Gazprombank and Vnesheconombank . United States also urged EU leaders to join
4050-428: The national nuclear company Rosatom remained the largest actor in the international market for nuclear reactor construction (also playing key roles in nuclear fuel supplies, nuclear equipment supplies, and handling nuclear waste). On 23 February 2024, the U.S. imposed trade restrictions on 93 entities for their assistance to Russia's war effort in Ukraine, including 63 from Russia, 16 from Turkey, 8 from China and 4 from
4125-609: The new law as well. On July 23, 2024 State Duma adopted a law according to which any organizations can be recognized as undesirable in Russia if their founders or participants are foreign government agencies, in addition to foreign NGO. These organisations are forbidden from holding public events and from possessing or distributing promotional materials, including via mass media . All Russian banks and financial institutions are forbidden from cooperating with them and are required to inform Russia's financial watchdog agency about all those that attempt to use them. When given notice from
4200-483: The only reasonable choice". Slightly earlier in March, Moldova imposed the same sanctions against former president of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych and a number of former Ukrainian officials, as announced by the EU on 5 March. In response to the sanctions introduced by the United States and the European Union, the State Duma (Lower House of the Russian parliament) unanimously passed a resolution asking for all members of
4275-487: The outbreak of WWI many Ukrainian immigrants were detained being deemed "enemy aliens" as they arrived from countries at war with Canada. Formed in 1917, the Ukrainian Canadian Citizens' Committee, consisting of various lay and church organizations sent a delegation to Ottawa to protest the classification of immigrants from western Ukraine as "enemy aliens". A number of organizations became active in
4350-414: The poisoning of Sergey Skripal, the U.S. Department of Commerce imposed further sanctions on dual-use exports to Russia which were deemed to be sensitive on national security grounds, including gas turbine engines, integrated circuits , and calibration equipment used in avionics . Until that moment, such exports were considered on a case-by-case basis. Following the introduction of these sanctions,
4425-456: The president of the United States insisting, ofttimes almost having to embarrass Europe to stand up and take economic hits to impose costs" and added that "And the results have been massive capital flight from Russia, a virtual freeze on foreign direct investment, a ruble at an all-time low against the dollar, and the Russian economy teetering on the brink of recession. We don't want Russia to collapse. We want Russia to succeed. But Putin has to make
4500-497: The prosecutors, these NGOs have to disband. Violators face fines or prison terms of up to six years. People cooperating with such entities are subject to fines and can be banned from entering Russia . Russians who maintain ties with "undesirables" face penalties ranging from fines to a maximum of six years in prison. On 25 May 2015, the first proposed list of undesirable NGOs was sent to the Prosecutor-General's office
4575-588: The region. The United States, Canada, the European Union, and other European countries (including Ukraine) imposed economic sanctions specifically targeting Crimea. Sanctions prohibit the sale, supply, transfer, or export of goods and technology in several sectors, including services directly related to tourism and infrastructure. They list seven ports where cruise ships cannot dock. Sanctions against Crimean individuals include travel bans and asset freezes. Visa and MasterCard have stopped service in Crimea between December 2014 and April 2015. On 16 February 2015,
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#17327800244334650-548: The rule of law." Amnesty International said the bill would "squeeze the life" from civil society, while Human Rights Watch warned it would be locals who would be worst-hit. Veteran human rights activist Lyudmila Alexeyeva described the law as "another step toward lowering the curtain between our country and the West." On 13 June 2016, the opinion of the Venice Commission on Russian undesirable organizations law
4725-539: The same month, the United States sanctioned two Russian citizens as well as three companies, Autolex Transport, Beratex Group and Linburg Industries in connection with the Russian interference in the 2016 United States election . After Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022, two countries that had not previously taken part in sanctions, namely South Korea and non-UN member state Taiwan , engaged in sanctions against Russia. On 28 February 2022, Singapore announced that it will impose banking sanctions against Russia for
4800-403: The sanctions had cost Russia $ 40 billion, with another $ 100 billion loss in 2014 due to decrease in the price of oil the same year. Following sanctions imposed in August 2018, economic losses incurred by Russia amounted to around 0.5–1.5% in foregone GDP growth. As of June 2023 , sanctions by the European Union and United States continue to be in effect. In January 2022, the EU announced
4875-730: The sanctions were delayed because Gazprom was a main sponsor of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup then concluding in Canada. In September 2015, Ukraine sanctioned more than 388 individuals, over 105 companies and other entities. In accordance with the August 2015 proposals promulgated by the Security Service of Ukraine and the Order of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 808-p dated 12 August 2015, Ukraine, on 2 September 2015, declared Russia an enemy of Ukraine. Also on 16 September 2015,
4950-486: The security of the state or to fundamental democratic principles. In other instances, the blanket application of these sanctions might contradict the requirement under the European Convention on Human Rights that the interference with the freedom of association and assembly has to respond to a pressing social need and has to be proportional to the legitimate aim pursued. Furthermore, the inclusion of an NGO in
5025-489: The sixth Congress of Ukrainian Canadians 25 organizations comprised the membership of the UCC. Resolutions were approved dealing with financial, organizational, social, educational, cultural and political issues as well as student and women's activities, all aimed at strengthening the community and the UCC. In August 2022, Russia designated the Ukrainian Canadian Congress as an " undesirable organization ". The UCC National President
5100-401: The state." The law gives prosecutors the power to declare foreign and international organizations "undesirable" in Russia and shut them down. Organizations are subject to heavy fines, while individuals affiliated with them can receive lengthy prison sentences if they fail to dissolve when given notice to do so. These punishments also apply to Russians who maintain ties to them. Critics say that
5175-421: The third wave leading EU to start drafting European sanctions a day before. On 25 July, the EU officially expanded its sanctions to an additional 15 individuals and 18 entities, with an additional eight added on 30 July. On 31 July 2014 the EU introduced the third round of sanctions which included an embargo on arms and related material, and embargo on dual-use goods and technology intended for military use or
5250-424: The unacceptable and cynical violations of international law and human rights in Russia. [...] It would be more effective if the blacklist became Europe-wide. We hope to start such a discussion." On 29 December 2016, the US president Barack Obama signed an Executive Order that expelled 35 Russian diplomats, locked down two Russian diplomatic compounds, and expanded sanctions against Russia for its interference in
5325-567: The work of civil society in Russia and is a further example of the Russian government's growing crackdown on independent voices and intentional steps to isolate the Russian people from the world". The Deputy Chief of the US Mission to the OSCE Permanent Council urged the Russian government "to uphold its international obligations and OSCE commitments to respect the freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly and association, and
5400-621: Was anxious that young Ukrainians enlist in military services. Originally known as the Ukrainian Canadian Committee (by which it was known until 1989), it was established as a result of the efforts of the Ukrainian Canadian community in November 1940. The main reason that UCC was formed was to have an umbrella organization which could speak for all Ukrainian Canadians and co-ordinate their common goals. The first congress of Ukrainian Canadians occurred June 22–24, 1943. This
5475-659: Was attended by over 600 Ukrainian Canadians. The slogan of this congress was "Victory and Freedom". In 1952 to combat Soviet propaganda, radio services such as the Voice of America and Radio Canada International Ukrainian-language service, broke through the information blockade and broadcast into the Soviet Union. This was achieved in no small part due to the hard work of the UCC and the Ukrainian Congressional Committee of America. By 1959, during
5550-635: Was made by an MP from LDPR . The list included the think tank Carnegie Moscow Center , the international history and human rights society Memorial , as well as the Moscow offices of Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International . On 7 July 2015, RIA Novosti published an alleged shortlist by the Federal Council of Russia of organizations to be branded undesirable. Those include the US-based Open Society Institute ,
5625-416: Was published. According to the Venice Commission conclusion, Russian undesirable organizations law consists of vague definition of certain key concepts, such as " non-governmental organisations ", which determines whether the activities of a foreign or international NGO may be declared undesirable, "directing of" and "participating in" the activities of a listed NGO, coupled with the wide discretion granted to
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