Side-event at the 25th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council session aiming at highlighting the need to ensure accountability for human rights violations in Ukraine.

When: Thursday, 06 March 2014, 16:00–17:30

Where: Geneva, Palais des Nations

Host: Human Rights House Foundation (HRHF) & other NGOs

Contact: Anna Innocenti, International Advocacy Officer (  +41 22 33 22 556 )

Speakers from Ukraine:

• Tetiana Pechonchyk, Human Rights Information Centre
• Alexandra Delemenchuk, Centre for Civil Liberties
• Mykhailo Tarakhkalo, Helsinki Union for Human Rights

For those people based in Geneva, if you wish to participate to the event at the United Nations in Geneva, please send an email with your ID to [email protected], latest on Wednesday 5 March. Organisers do not provide any financial support for the participation.

Ukraine is still in crisis following months of protests. According to Ukrainian human rights NGOs, during and following clashes at least 93 have been killed and thousands injured. Scores of others have been subjected to abuse by law enforcement bodies. Police forces, including the Berkut or riot police unit of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, are accused of targeting journalists and medical workers, and in some cases non-violent demonstrators.

There needs to be thorough investigations to determine any responsibility by law enforcement personnel for gross violations of fundamental human rights including unlawful killings, disappearances, torture and ill-treatment of demonstrators; abuses by street fighters and their supporters also need to be thoroughly investigated. All found responsible must be held accountable. There must be no victors’ justice and no selective justice. All investigations must adhere to the highest standards of independence and integrity.

During the side event, representatives of Ukrainian Civil Society organizations will provide a first-hand account of the violations committed during the recent protests. In addition, the side event will allow for a unique opportunity to discuss effective approaches to ensure accountability for violations committed by both sides in the clashes and explore the role United Nations human rights mechanisms can play to ensure justice and accountability.