Implementing of Plain Language Principles to Public Information (UA0119)

Implementation of Plain Language Principles in Communications between the State and Citizens to Ensure Equal Access to Public Information

Access to official information in Ukraine can be challenging for various groups of citizens due to the way such information is presented and the channels through which it is distributed, particularly for people with disabilities, older people and people with reduced mobility. This highlights the need to ensure that such information is accessible and understandable to all. The problem has become particularly acute in the context of the Russian Federation's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The most common challenges include difficulties in understanding official documents, an overly bureaucratic writing style, a lack of clear explanations and visual aids, and insufficient adaptation to the needs of different population groups. Official government websites, official announcements, information on public services and other information of public interest often fail to meet accessibility standards (for example, they may lack alternative text for images or plain-language versions of texts, etc.). People with visual, hearing or cognitive impairments face daily barriers to accessing vital public information, participating in public debates and understanding their legal obligations.

The problem becomes more acute during crises, such as armed conflicts, natural disasters or emergencies, when receiving clear information in a timely manner is a matter of safety and survival. During such periods, vulnerable groups find themselves in a state of even greater isolation due to the inaccessibility or excessive complexity of official communications.

In order to address the aforementioned issues, the Government of Ukraine has taken a number of important measures. Thus, in 2023, pursuant to Order No. 1046 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated 17 November 2023, the Recommendations on the Presentation of Information by Public Authorities in Formats That Ensure Its Accessibility were approved. In addition, the Communication Strategy for the Creation of a Barrier-Free Environment in Ukraine for the Period up to 2030 was approved by Resolution No. 1301 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated 20 December 2024, together with an Operational Action Plan for 2025-2026 for its implementation, approved by Resolution No. 649 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated 2 July 2025.

In May 2025, the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine presented the educational series ‘Plain Language for Complex Topics', and in June 2025, a nationwide communication campaign for social change, 'Barrier-Free Means You Can', was launched. In March 2026, the Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the National Agency on Civil Service, launched a general short-term professional development programme entitled 'Communicating Accessibility in the Civil Service' for civil servants holding Category 'B' and “C” positions and local self-government officials in Categories III- VII. Training under the programme was provided.

To address this issue systematically in the future, there are plans to develop and implement a methodology for self-assessing the accessibility of official information published by public authorities. The methodology will be based on international standards, comply with the requirements of Ukrainian legislation, be piloted and subsequently rolled out across central executive bodies. It is also envisaged that annual audits will be conducted and their results will be made publicly available.

These solutions are designed to address systemic gaps in the field of communications (policies, tools and standards) and strengthen human capacity, thereby ensuring long-term institutional change.

The expected outcomes of these measures are:

a national methodology for auditing communications in plain language has been introduced;

the institutional capacity of public authorities has been strengthened, and civil servants' awareness of inclusive communication, the use of plain language and the need to ensure the accessibility of information has been raised, helping to improve the quality of communication with citizens;

annual accessibility audits have been introduced, with their results made publicly available.

Milestones Table:

Steps

1. Development of a methodology for self-assessment of the accessibility of official information published by public authorities
Responsible agency: Ministry of Culture
Completion time/period: May-June 2026
Partners: civil society organisations (subject to consent), local self-government bodies (subject to consent), United Nations Development Programme in Ukraine (subject to consent), other international organisations, development partners engaged in international technical assistance projects (programmes) (subject to consent)
Delivery indication: A methodology for self-assessment of the accessibility of official information published by public authorities has been developed.

2. Development of training materials for civil servants on the use of the methodology for self-assessment of the accessibility of official information published by public authorities
Responsible agency: Ministry of Culture
Completion time/period: June-August 2026
Partners: civil society organisations (subject to consent), local self-government bodies (subject to consent), United Nations Development Programme in Ukraine (subject to consent), other international organisations, development partners engaged in international technical assistance projects (programmes) (subject to consent)
Delivery indication: Training materials for civil servants on the use of the methodology for self-assessment of the accessibility of official information published by public authorities have been developed.

3. Training of civil servants in the use of the methodology for self-assessment of the accessibility of official information published by public authorities
Responsible agency: Ministry of Culture
Completion time/period: June December 2026
Partners: civil society organisations (subject to consent), local self-government bodies (subject to consent), United Nations Development Programme in Ukraine (subject to consent), other international organisations, development partners engaged in international technical assistance projects (programmes) (subject to consent)
Delivery indication: At least 50 civil servants have been trained in the use of the methodology for self-assessment of the accessibility of official information published by public authorities.

4. Audit of plain language communication and the accessibility of official websites of central executive authorities
Responsible agency: Ministry of Culture
Completion time/period: January-June 2027
Partners: civil society organisations (subject to consent), United Nations Development Programme in Ukraine (subject to consent), other international organisations, development partners engaged in international technical assistance projects (programmes) (subject to consent)
Delivery indication: An audit of plain language communication and the accessibility of official websites of central executive authorities has been carried out.

5. Preparation of a report on the findings of the audit of plain language communication and the accessibility of official websites of central executive authorities
Responsible agency: Ministry of Culture
Completion time/period: June December 2027
Partners: civil society organisations (subject to consent), United Nations Development Programme in Ukraine (subject to consent), other international organisations, development partners engaged in international technical assistance projects (programmes) (subject to consent)
Delivery indication: A report on the audit findings has been prepared and published on the Ministry of Culture's official website.