At the invitation of the Institute of Law, Psychology and Innovative Education, Lviv Polytechnic National University, Yurii Bauman, Managing Partner of the “Bauman Kondratyuk” Law Firm, conducted a public lecture for law students on October 15, 2024. The lecture focused on “Administrative and Legal Mechanisms for Exercising the Right to Information.”
In the modern information age, the right to information is a cornerstone of human rights. The Constitution of Ukraine enshrines the freedom for everyone to gather, store, use, and share information, whether spoken, written, or through other means.
Yurii Bauman’s lecture highlighted the tools available to all for accessing information. He emphasized that Ukrainian citizens can utilize resources like the Law of Ukraine “On Access to Public Information” and the Law of Ukraine “On Citizens’ Appeals” to exercise this fundamental right.
Yurii Bauman highlighted that public information is open and accessible to all. It is made available through various channels, including official publications, websites, and information stands. Additionally, information holders are obligated to provide information upon request from citizens.
Yurii Bauman also highlighted the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) regarding restricted information and the protection of personal data, emphasizing its relevance to the aspiring lawyers.
A lively discussion ensued regarding the European Court of Human Rights’ decision in M.K. v. Ukraine.
The European Court of Human Rights, in its September 15, 2022, ruling on M.K. v. Ukraine, determined that disclosing the servicewoman’s HIV status to her mother and military unit constituted a breach of her right to privacy under Article 8 of the Convention.
This case involved a servicewoman undergoing a routine medical examination where an HIV test was conducted without her explicit knowledge or consent. Despite the positive result, this information was omitted from her medical report.
The law students were particularly engaged by the discussion of practical legal strategies in cases involving compensation for damages caused by the disclosure of private information.
The “Bauman Kondratyuk” Law Firm is committed to collaborating with universities across Ukraine to organize public events and promote legal education.