Kyiv, 10 July 2023 – During the "Human Rights Legion" forum, the Ukrainian Parliament's Commissioner for Human Rights unveiled a UNDP-backed five-year strategy for the nation's human rights institution. This strategy is set to serve as a roadmap for effectively addressing the challenges arising from the ongoing conflict and underscores the Government’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting human rights throughout Ukraine. 

This event, supported by UNDP and the Governments of Japan and Denmark, engaged more than 300 representatives of the government of Ukraine, civil society, human rights defenders, opinion leaders, and international organizations to discuss a detailed implementation plan for the strategy. 

Welcoming participants, Mr. Dmytro Lubinets, Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights said that since the beginning of the full-scale war, Ukraine is facing egregious human rights violations. "We organized this event because we wanted human rights to be discussed in different ways. But most importantly, we wanted this event to become a platform where we could hear each other and develop the necessary approaches. I believe that we have managed to achieve this," he said.

Mr. Ole Egberg Mikkelsen, Ambassador of Denmark to Ukraine, stressed that in times of crisis, strong and efficient national human rights institutions are of critical importance. “Freedom, liberty, democracy and human rights are the common values that unites Danes and Ukrainians. Therefore, Denmark is a long-term supporter of Ukraine’s ombudsman, not least their regional offices, ensuring access for citizens across the nation,” he said.

Mr. Kuninori Matsuda, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ukraine, emphasized the importance of sustaining and strengthening the human rights agenda. "We strongly believe that in times of crisis, it becomes even more crucial to sustain and strengthen the human rights agenda,” he said. “Amidst the horrors of warfare, we must not waver in our commitment to upholding the fundamental rights and dignity of every individual.” 

Ms. Olena Ursu, UNDP Ukraine Democratic Governance Team Leader, said UNDP strongly believes in the midst of war, a strong and resilient national human rights institution is imperative. “It serves as the bedrock for restoring access to justice and nurturing unshakeable faith in the enduring values of human rights,” she said. “It is precisely during these challenging moments that we must stand resolute, ensuring that no one's rights are compromised or overlooked.” 

During the event, the Ombudsperson also presented a comprehensive overview of the institution's key accomplishments over the past year, as well as key recommendations for policymakers that will enhance human rights agenda in Ukraine. 

Background information: 

Since 2012, UNDP has been a steadfast partner of the Ombudsperson Office, focusing on strengthening the institution's ability to advance the human rights agenda in Ukraine and broaden access to human rights, particularly at the local level.  Backed by UNDP and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, the Ombudsperson Office extended access to human rights at the local level through its regional network operating across all Ukrainian oblasts. In 2022 alone, the regional network of the Ombudsman's Office conducted 449 field visits, held over 1,000 consultations, and reached out to 5,229 persons (3,248 women and 1,981 men), providing advice and assistance for protecting their rights. 

The full-scale war in Ukraine prompted UNDP, with the support of the Government of Japan, to intensify its collaboration with the Ombudsman's Office.  This enhanced cooperation is aimed at advocating for and protecting the rights of the war-impacted population. Starting in May, with the support of the Government of Japan and UNDP, the Ombudsman began conducting regular meetings with the families and loved ones of missing persons and prisoners of war to ensure that their rights remain safeguarded.

Media enquiries: Yuliia Samus, Communications Team Leader, UNDP in Ukraine; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org