UN Human Rights Council side event: Reparations for victims of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine: Victims’ perspectives on challenges and paths forward

At the 58th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine (CoI) will report its findings on human rights abuses, international law violations and related crimes committed during Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine. This side event will discuss the issue of reparations for victims of the conflict, which has been the object of specific recommendations from the CoI. The discussion will include a focus on specific challenges faced by minority communities like the Roma, Crimean Tatars and national-linguistic minorities.

While Ukraine has made progress in advancing reparations – through the freezing of Russian assets and other international mechanisms – securing financing and planning for their implementation remains a challenge. This event will highlight the need to sustain momentum towards ensuring reparations for victims.

The event will also present research by the Ceasefire Centre for Civilian Rights (Ceasefire) and the Eastern Ukrainian Center for Civic Initiatives (EUCCI) on issues surrounding the social protection of civilians who were deprived of their personal liberty during Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, their ongoing needs, and the lessons learned.

The ideas and expectations of victims, including those of minority communities, regarding future reparations will be critically explored.

Organizers: Ceasefire Centre for Civilian Rights, Eastern Ukrainian Centre, Minority Rights Group, PAX, Human Rights House Foundation, Roma Women’s Fund “Chiricli”, Human Rights Centre ZMINA, Association of Relatives of Missing Persons “Nadiya”, SEMA Ukraine, December 29th, and Ukrainian Legal Advisory Group.

Date: 20 March 2025

Time: 13:00 – 14:00

Venue: Room XXV, Palais des Nations, Geneva

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