Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk: Ukraine upholds human rights as a priority even in the most difficult times
01 July 2025, 16:27
The leadership of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine took part in the human rights conference «The Ombudsman as a Lever of Parliamentary Protection of Human Rights and Freedoms in Ukraine during Martial Law: Achievements and Challenges.» The event was dedicated to summarizing three years of work by the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets.
Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk expressed his gratitude to Dmytro Lubinets and his team for their consistent work, clear results and active engagement at the international level.
«It was the exact day, three years ago the Parliament adopted the resolution appointing Dmytro Lubinets as the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights. This happened in the early months of russia’s full-scale invasion — at a time when Ukraine chose the path of resistance and democracy,» noted Ruslan Stefanchuk.
He outlined hat even during wartime, human rights remain an unwavering value for Ukraine, and the work of the Ombudsman’s Office demonstrates tangible results: over 300,000 appeals have been received during this period, concerning the protection of prisoners of war, assistance to civilian hostages, the return of children, and combating discrimination.
The First Deputy Speaker Oleksandr Korniienko, during his address, emphasised on the dynamic development of the Ombudsman’s institution despite the challenges of war, as well as the importance of its presence on the ground and direct contact with people.
«Today, it is evident that the Ombudsman of the Verkhovna Rada stands alongside the people — just like the Verkhovna Rada and Members of Parliament. This is a strong principle that should be further scaled and expanded,» he emphasised.
In turn, the Deputy Speaker Olena Kondratiuk, addressing the participants of the conference, noted: «We are the first in Europe to go through the process of upholding broad rights and freedoms under martial law — and there is no manual on how to maintain this balance. I am grateful to everyone who is working today in the field of human rights and on the return of abducted Ukrainian children. Human rights defenders today are on par with psychologists — constantly in contact with people. But their task is not only to listen, but also to investigate, find solutions, deliver results, and hold perpetrators accountable. I have just visited three regions — people want to be heard. The demand for justice is enormous. It is essential that people also feel the effectiveness of our actions.»
During the event the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada presented awards of the Verkhovna Rada to those who defend the rights and freedoms of citizens on a daily basis, emphasizing: «Today, Ukraine convincingly demonstrates that dignity, the rule of law, and citizens’ rights remain unwavering values even in times of the greatest trials. I thank each and every one of you who works to uphold them.»
