Resilience Amid Armed Conflict: The Journey of Ukrainian Commissioner of HR

The Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights (UPCHR) operates within the multifaceted challenges of an ongoing international armed conflict in Ukraine. Given the war’s escalation, safeguarding the rights of the increasingly vulnerable Ukrainian population, notably prisoners of war, internally displaced persons, and refugees, has been paramount. The UPCHR prioritizes their protection to ensure they have access to essential services, currently extending its reach to 25 regions, refining case management processes, enhancing human rights education programs, and exploring varied funding sources. The Commissioner’s overarching objective remains steadfast: to guarantee comprehensive human rights protection, demonstrating resilience and adaptability amidst these complex circumstances.

The Ombudsman of Ukraine, Dmytro Lubinets, in collaboration with the Danish Institute for Human Rights, UNDP, OHCHR and ENNHRI, invite you to a discussion that will offer insights into, and explore measures for enhancing the roles of NHRIs under the challenging conditions of armed conflict through examples of the work of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, Northern Ireland Commission for Human Rights, and other NHRIs present in the event.

PROGRAMME

18:00-18:05 Welcome remarks by Mette Thygesen, International Director, Danish Institute for Human Rights (Moderator)

18:05-18:10 Opening speech by Sarah Rattray, UNDP Senior Advisor on Human Rights

18:10-18:30 Keynote: “Resilience Amid Armed Conflict: The Journey of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights”, by Dmytro Lubinets, Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights

18:30-18:45 Insights on NHRIs’ roles in times of conflict: Moderated panel reflections

• Alyson Kilpatrick, Northern Ireland Chief Commissioner for Human Rights

• Peter Vedel Kessing, Senior Researcher, Danish Institute for Human Rights

• Christian Salazar Volkmann, Director of the Field Operations and Technical Cooperation Division, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

18:45-19:00 Discussion/Q&A

19:00 Closing remarks

The event is open and free for all but please register your participation via Eventbrite here.