Constitution Day in Ukraine
On June 28, Ukraine observes Constitution Day—the only state holiday explicitly enshrined in the nation’s founding legal document. This date commemorates the adoption of the Constitution of an independent Ukraine, a pivotal milestone in the country’s constitutional development. The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament, passed the fundamental law on June 28, 1996.
The history of Ukrainian constitutionalism spans numerous phases. One of the earliest constitutional-level documents was the ‘Pacts and Constitutions of Rights and Freedoms of the Zaporozhian Army,’ drafted in 1710 by Hetman Pylyp Orlyk. In 1918, the Central Rada, led by Mykhailo Hrushevsky, enacted the Constitution of the Ukrainian People’s Republic. During the Soviet era, four constitutions of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic were in force: those of 1919, 1929, 1937, and 1978.
Work on the modern Constitution began after the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Ukraine was adopted on July 16, 1990. Over the following six years, roughly 15 different drafts were developed. During preparations for the second reading, approximately six thousand amendments were proposed to the bill. The final session of the Verkhovna Rada started on June 27, 1996, and lasted almost nonstop for about 24 hours. The fundamental law was passed on June 28, 1996, at 9:20 AM, with 315 lawmakers voting in favor. A key figure in drafting the document was lawmaker Mykhailo Syrota.
Significance of the Constitution and Celebrations
Under the Constitution, amendments to the fundamental law are prohibited during a state of martial law or a state of emergency. Article 64 of the Constitution stipulates that certain rights and freedoms may be temporarily restricted under martial law.
To mark the 30th anniversary of the Constitution, the capital has organized cultural, educational, and awareness-raising events. The official program begins on June 28 with a flower-laying ceremony at the monument to Hetman Pylyp Orlyk. As part of the celebrations, a full translation of the Constitution into Ukrainian sign language has been created for the first time, involving nine interpreters.
Thus, Constitution Day in Ukraine not only commemorates a key event in the nation’s history but also underscores the importance of the fundamental law for the country’s development. The festivities also include greetings and greeting cards that capture the spirit of this significant holiday.
Constitution Day is not just a celebration but also an important reminder of the principles of democratic governance and human rights enshrined in the fundamental law.
— Unknown source
The commemoration of the Constitution’s 30th anniversary in Ukraine reflects the ongoing evolution and refinement of the legal system, as well as the significance of constitutional values for Ukrainian society, especially in the face of contemporary challenges. The cultural and educational events held as part of the celebration help raise citizens’ awareness of their rights and responsibilities as outlined in the Constitution.
As Ukraine celebrates three decades of its Constitution, the capital city is also preparing to unveil significant initiatives to honor this milestone. These ambitious plans aim to enhance public awareness and appreciation of the Constitution's role in shaping the nation's identity. To learn more about these upcoming celebrations and the city's vision for the anniversary, visit Kyiv's grand plans for the anniversary.