OSCE SHDM II side event: Digital threats to civil society in Ukraine amid war and transformation

The side event “Digital Threats to Civil Society in Ukraine Amid War and Transformation” takes place on May 12, 2026, at 9:00 — 10:00 in Room 531 on the margins of the OSCE Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting II. It is organized by the Human Rights Centre ZMINA with co-sponsorship of the EU Delegation to the International Organisations in Vienna, the Human Rights House Foundation, the Netherlands Helsinki Committee, the Anti-Corruption Action Center and the Digital Security Lab Ukraine.

Ukrainian civil society operates under exceptionally challenging conditions shaped by the ongoing Russian aggression. Civil society organizations and activists in Ukraine play a vital role in strengthening democratic institutions, advancing European integration, and upholding the rule of law and human rights. At the same time, they have suffered significant losses: many have been killed or injured, offices have been destroyed, and numerous activists have been internally displaced or forced to relocate abroad.

In addition to physical threats, Ukrainian civil society is systematically targeted by disinformation and discreditation campaigns. In the context of rapid digitalization, a growing range of digital risks has emerged: online harassment and coordinated abuse campaigns, the use of artificial intelligence to generate deepfakes, as well as digital stalking and unauthorized surveillance. Certain groups are especially vulnerable, including anti-corruption activists, environmental defenders, media representatives, women journalists who often face gender-based harassment, and LGBTIQ+ activists.

These challenges require a comprehensive response involving national authorities, international partners, and civil society actors themselves. The event will provide a platform for the discussion and development of practical recommendations aimed at strengthening the protection of civic space in the digital age.

This side event will explore:

• key challenges facing Ukrainian civil society in the context of war;
• the impact of digital threats and discreditation campaigns on activists’ work;
• personal stories of victims of digital harassment;
• good practices for protecting civic space in the digital age;
• recommendations for participating States and OSCE institutions.

Speakers:

• Anastasiia Soloviova, Lawyer, Civil Society Protection Programme, Human Rights Centre ZMINA
• Kateryna Pityk, International Advocacy Officer, NGO Anti-Corruption Action Center
• Olena Mudra, Investigative Journalist
• Anna Liudva, Legal Counsel, Digital Security Lab Ukraine

Moderator: 

• Ambassador Rasa Ostrauskaite, EU Permanent Representative to the OSCE

Access to the event will be granted only to registered participants of the OSCE SHDM II.

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