Statement by ENNHRI on the protection of human rights in the armed attack on Ukraine

In a statement, the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI) calls for an immediate end to the Russian Federation’s armed attack on Ukraine, in accordance with the principles of international law, humanitarian law and human rights, and urges the Russian government to implement the interim measures granted by the European Court of Human Rights.

The conflict in Ukraine has led to major casualties among civilian population, displacement of people, severe destruction of critical infrastructure and facilities, and deterioration of the overall humanitarian and human rights situation.

In its statement, ENNHRI welcomes the negotiations for a ceasefire, as well as the support offered by international organisations such as the UN, the OSCE, the Council of Europe and the EU. ENNHRI also supports the Office of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights in its efforts to promote and protect human rights in Ukraine in an extremely challenging situation.

ENNHRI calls on all Council of Europe member states to stand in solidarity with Ukraine, to provide humanitarian aid, to provide refuge to individuals fleeing Ukraine, and to cooperate with European NHRIs in this respect

Ombudsman Juris Jansons stresses: “Our common demand is to stop the invasion immediately to protect human lives, safety and well-being. Only a united, firm and unambiguously clear position of human rights defenders can serve as a basis for stopping these bloody crimes, and for effective investigations of these crimes.”

Read the full statement here.