Kyiv, 5 December 2024 – The “Decade 2014-2024. Reclaiming Human Rights. Safeguarding Democracy” high-level international conference took place in Kyiv on 5 December. The event brought together over 1,000 participants, including government officials, representatives of international organizations, human rights defenders, journalists, and members of civil society from around the world.

The event was organized by the Office of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, in collaboration with the Office of the President of Ukraine and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, and supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine and the Government of Japan. 

The opening ceremony of the event began with a speech by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine. 

“I thank all those who are already working with Ukraine for the protection of people's rights and the complete restoration of peace for Ukraine,” said President Zelensky. 

The event was opened by Dmytro Lubinets, Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights; Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe; Masashi Nakagome, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ukraine; Christophoros Politis, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative to Ukraine; and Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. 

Dmytro Lubinets, Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, addressed international partners and all those present with a call to save the world's democratic principles.

“I thank each and every one of you who participated in the conference! I hope that its outcomes will include bold decisions,” concluded Lubinets.

Welcoming participants, Masashi Nakagome, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ukraine, reiterated Japan's commitment to supporting Ukraine in defending democracy and protecting human rights. 

“Today, as we stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, we are reminded that the defence of human rights and democracy is not a luxury – it is a necessity. It is the bedrock upon which all efforts for peace, recovery and rebuilding must stand,” he said. 

Christophoros Politis, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Ukraine underlined the vital role of protecting human rights in both times of war and in post-war recovery. 

“UNDP stands with the Government of Ukraine, the Office of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, civil society, and international organizations to ensure that in war and post-war setting, human security and access to justice are at the heart of every decision and strategy,” he said. 

The event was attended by Ombudsperson from the Republic of Moldova, the President of the National Coordination of Italian Ombudspersons, representatives from Estonia, and several other countries. Ukrainian and international human rights organizations also participated, including representatives of United Nations agencies, the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI), and others.

Background: The conference was organized with support of the “Transformational Recovery for Human Security in Ukraine” project, which is being implemented by UNDP in Ukraine and financed by the Government of Japan. The project's primary objective is to promote transformational recovery and human security in Ukraine by addressing interconnected threats. Its focus is on restoring critical infrastructure, expanding mine action and victim assistance, clearing debris for reconstruction, revitalizing local economies, strengthening government recovery coordination, and enhancing access to justice and human rights. The project is one of a continuum of initiatives funded by the Government of Japan geared towards Ukraine’s recovery. 

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