USAID launched today a new activity addressing human rights issues in Ukraine, implemented by the Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Union (UHHRU). The project seeks to empower human rights activists as they monitor and report on human rights violations in Ukraine; to provide strategic litigation in human rights cases; to raise human rights awareness among citizens; and to strengthen the Chernihiv Educational Human Rights House.

Despite the current challenges in the country, Ukraine must demonstrate its adherence to the law and respect to human rights.

In her address, Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights Valeria Lutkovska stressed  the importance of collaboration between the Ombudsman, civil organizations and international partners. “It’s hard to imagine the Ombudsman Office functioning without active cooperation with civil society organizations, in particular with the Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Union,” stated Valeria Lutkovska. “Likewise, the cooperation with international partners is strategically important. I thank the American government for supporting Ukraine in its fight to observe human rights.”

USAID Assistant Administrator for Europe and Eurasia Paige Alexander expressed her confidence in the opportunity to support human rights at this historic moment in Ukraine.  “It is my hope that from the conflict and tragedies that have occurred in Ukraine during the last several months, a human-rights-centered state will emerge in the heart of Europe,” said Paige Alexander. “This USAID Project will further develop this European state, encouraging and cultivating a culture of respect of human rights, as well as protecting human rights defenders in Ukraine.”