Civil society resistance and losses during Russia’s war against Ukraine to be discussed at the OSCE SHDM II

Human Rights Centre ZMINA with the financial support of the European Union and co-sponsorship by the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the International Organizations in Vienna, the Permanent Mission of Finland to the OSCE, Frontline Defenders and Human Rights House Foundation, organizes a side event “Voices in the Darkness: Civil Society Resistance and Losses during Russia’s War against Ukraine” during the OSCE SHDM II. The event will take place in Bibliotheksaal on May 5 from 13:00 to 14:00.

This event aims to spotlight the critical role of Ukrainian civil society amid Russia’s invasion, with a particular focus on the human cost of the war. As military actions continue, thousands of civilians – including human rights defenders, activists, volunteers, and journalists – have been subjected to abduction, torture, and extrajudicial killings.

Ukraine is losing many of its most active and courageous citizens: volunteers evacuating civilians from frontline zones are targeted by gunfire and shelling; journalists reporting on life in the occupied territories are detained and tortured; human rights defenders documenting war crimes are attacked by airstrikes. Many have become paramedics or joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine to defend the country on the battlefield. 

This event will honour the memory of those murdered by Russia for their courage and commitment to truth and justice.

Moreover, the ongoing resistance of human rights defenders and civil society in the occupied territories, including Crimea, is continuing. Despite facing politically motivated persecution, show trials, torture, and decades-long prison sentences, human rights defenders and citizen journalists living under occupation remain steadfast in defending fundamental rights and freedoms. Their bravery is a beacon of hope – and it is our collective responsibility to support them, advocate for their release, and strengthen Ukrainian civil society during wartime.

Experts will discuss the following issues:

• The role and resilience of civil society and human rights defenders under fire;
• Stories of active citizens whose lives were taken due to the Russian invasion;
• The struggle for freedom by tracking detained civil society representatives;
• Recommendations to support Ukrainian civil society and human rights defenders in the context of the ongoing war.

Remarks:

• Mr. Yurii Vitrenko, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the International Organizations in Vienna

Speakers: 

• Ms. Tetiana Pechonchyk, Head of the Human Rights Centre ZMINA
• Ms. Yuliia Somina, relative of the deceased Ukrainian volunteer Illia Shkliaruk
• Ms. Nelia Hrynyshyn, Representative of the Mission of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea
• Ms. Oleksandra Barkova, sister of the political prisoner and activist Bohdan Ziza
• Ms. Veronika Lapina, Protection Coordinator for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Front Line Defenders 

Moderator: Ms. Anu Juvonen, Special Representative on Civil Society, Permanent Mission of Finland to the OSCE.

Contact person: Tetiana Zhukova, Human Rights Centre ZMINA, tz@zmina.ua