Original Source: reliefweb.int
In collaboration with the Ombudsman of Ukraine, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is pioneering the formation of regional Human Rights Protection Centres throughout the nation, ensuring that vital human rights work is accessible to the public. Recent efforts culminated in the inauguration of a centre in Chernivtsi, overseen by key regional leaders and representatives including Dmytro Lubinets, the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, and Karolina Lindholm Billing from UNHCR.
This newly established centre is designed to assist diverse groups, particularly vulnerable populations such as internally displaced individuals and those facing statelessness. Equipped and refurbished with the support of UNHCR and their NGO partner, Rokada, it will offer essential counseling services, public initiatives, and guidance on accessing fundamental rights.
UNHCR and other UN partners are committed to enhancing these human rights centres across Ukraine, focusing on making them accessible for all, including those with mobility challenges. Initial efforts have seen developments in multiple regions, including Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Vinnytsia, with ongoing projects in Uzhhorod and others.
The long-standing partnership between UNHCR and the Ombudsman of Ukraine, solidified by a recent memorandum, emphasizes a shared dedication to the protection of all human rights in the context of the ongoing war. This collaboration particularly targets the most vulnerable groups affected by the conflict, including those with disabilities and forcibly displaced persons.
Karolina Lindholm Billing highlighted that knowledge of one’s rights is paramount to their protection, and the establishment of these centres is a significant stride towards ensuring equitable access to fundamental freedoms. Dmytro Lubinets echoed this sentiment by emphasizing the centre’s role as an accessible space for assistance amid an 80% increase in appeals from the region last year.
Ultimately, the cooperation between UNHCR and the Ombudsman of Ukraine encompasses comprehensive initiatives—from creating educational material to advocate for the rights of displaced individuals. This includes monitoring living conditions in collective sites for internally displaced persons, ensuring their rights are upheld assessments that reveal the urgent need for support and awareness across the nation.
The establishment of regional Human Rights Protection Centres in Ukraine by UNHCR and the Ombudsman is a vital step in making human rights resources more accessible to those in need. As war continues to displace many, these centers aim to provide essential services and support for vulnerable populations, illustrating a proactive approach towards safeguarding humanity amid crisis. The ongoing partnership underscores a commitment to vulnerable groups, particularly those affected by the conflict, highlighting the importance of awareness and accessibility when it comes to rights and services.
The collaborative efforts between UNHCR and the Ombudsman have fostered a significant advancement in ensuring human rights accessibility in Ukraine. With the establishment of centers across the nation, a framework is being developed that not only addresses the immediate needs of vulnerable groups but also promotes awareness of rights. This initiative exemplifies a compassionate response to the dire circumstances experienced by countless individuals due to the ongoing conflict, reinforcing the importance of community support and accessible information.
