On July 5, 2024, a significant event took place – the presentation of the "CONCEPT OF IMPROVING THE NATIONAL SYSTEM OF LEGAL PROTECTION AND SUPPORT FOR PERSONS AFFECTED BY ARMED AGGRESSION AGAINST UKRAINE"
The event, organized by the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights with the support of the Council of Europe Project "Strengthening judicial and non-judicial remedies for the human rights protection of the war-affected people in Ukraine" gathered key national and international partners.
The event commenced with opening remarks by Dmytro LUBINETS, the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights; Maciej JANCZAK, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Ukraine; Andriy KOSTIN, Prosecutor General; and Anatolii STELMAKH, Deputy Minister for Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine.
During the presentation of the Concept, Dmytro LUBINETS emphasized the importance of this strategic document in improving legal protection and support for those affected by armed aggression. The development of this Concept is a crucial step towards providing comprehensive support to persons whose lives and properties have been severely impacted. It aims to establish a systematic approach for identifying, categorizing, and supporting affected persons, ensuring their rights are protected and their needs addressed.
Maciej JANCZAK underscored the role of the Council of Europe in supporting Ukraine's efforts to enhance legal remedies for the war-affected people in Ukraine, stating: "The Concept plays a crucial role, as we understand that without categorizing the groups affected by the ongoing aggression, estimating the damage caused to the life, health, and property of individuals and legal entities, and collecting information about the extent of such damage, it would be almost impossible to ensure the protection of human rights for those affected by the war."
The event included a panel discussion moderated by Olga ALTUNINA, Representative of the Commissioner for the Rights of Citizens Affected by Armed Aggression Against Ukraine. The discussion featured key experts and officials, including Halyna TRETYAKOVA, Chair of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Social Policy and Protection of Veterans' Rights; Serhii KOZYR, Chair of the Subcommittee on Temporarily Occupied Territories; Dariia MARCHAK, First Deputy Minister of Social Policy; Nataliia KOZLOVSKA, Deputy Minister for Communities and Territories Development; Zakhar TROPIN, Head of the Department of International Cooperation and Representation of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine; Ganna KHRYSTOVA, Head of the Kyiv Office of the Register of Damages Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation Against Ukraine; and Olena LUNIOVA, Advocacy Director of the Human Rights Center ZMINA.
This event marked an important step in Ukraine's efforts to support and protect the rights of persons affected by armed aggression, demonstrating a strong commitment to upholding human rights and providing necessary legal and social support.