The Center for Democracy and Rule of Law (CEDEM) is an analytic and advocacy center focused on the development of independent media, civil society, and the establishment of the rule of law in Ukraine.
The organization was founded as the Institute of Media Law NGO on February 1, 2005 by media lawyers Taras Shevchenko, Ihor Rozkladaj and Tetyana Oleksiyuk. Its activities were aimed at promoting societal development through impartial, professional media expertise, drafting and implementing quality media legislation, fostering media education, judicial protection of journalists’ and citizens’ rights, and safeguarding freedom of speech and fundamental human rights. In 2016, the Institute of Media Law changed its name to the Center for Democracy and Rule of Law (CEDEM), summarizing changes in its structure, areas, and scope of activity over the past years.
Our mission is to foster the development of a society of active and responsible citizens.
Our values include responsibility, proactivity, efficiency, and impartiality. In pursuing our mission and adhering to our values, we focus our activities in three main areas: independent media, civil society development, and the rule of law.
With this end, CEDEM:
- Develop reforms and advocate for quality legislation;
- Monitor and counteract restrictive legislation;
- Conduct research and analysis;
- Provide impartial legal expertise;
- Consult and train journalists, volunteers, NGOs, civic activists, and representatives of public authorities;
- Elaborate and implement educational programs for various audiences, including international study tours;
- Support and promote civic initiatives;
- Strengthen the organizational capacity of NGOs and their coalitions;
- Inform citizens, CSOs and their coalitions about their rights and obligations in Martial law;
- Promote a culture of physical, legal, digital, financial and mental security for NGOs, activists, and journalists;
- Work on establishing the rule of law;
- Cooperate and develop partnerships with government and parliament agencies;
- Organize and conduct information campaigns and direct action initiatives.
In 2013–2014, the organization made significant progress in its activities, receiving institutional support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) for the first time, which contributed to its institutional strengthening.
Since 2012, the organization has undergone annual financial audits involving independent experts, thus implementing a transparency policy and publicly reporting on its financial status.
Since its establishment, CEDEM has collaborated with Ukrainian and international civil society organizations, Ukrainian government agencies, international institutions, and has been a member of coalitions of civic organizations.
In February 2025, CEDEM celebrated 20 years since its foundation. You can read about 20 success stories of the organization over 20 years.