In Kyiv, human rights defenders and international partners discussed prospects of peace negotiations for residents of the occupied territories
On 28 March 2025, the Coalition of organisations dealing with the protection of the rights of victims of armed aggression against Ukraine held an important discussion with international partners on the prospects for residents of the occupied territories of Ukraine in the context of peace negotiations.
The event was attended by representatives of Ukrainian civil society organisations, experts, human rights defenders, international partners and diplomats. The participants discussed the current situation in the temporarily occupied territories (TOT) of Ukraine and possible prospects for their residents in the context of the negotiation process.
In particular, during the first session, the current situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine was discussed in detail. The experts conducted an in-depth analysis of a wide range of problems faced by the residents of the TOT daily. Among the key issues discussed were the consequences of breaking social and economic ties with Ukraine, as well as the use of human rights violations, including the illegal detention of civilian hostages, as a tool of warfare by the occupying authorities. The panelists also highlighted the alarming trends that indicate that the occupied territories are being prepared for prolonged occupation and further aggression by the Russian Federation. At the same time, special attention was paid to the importance of maintaining ties with the residents of the TOT and the need to open humanitarian corridors. Another key aspect of the discussion was the work with young people living in the occupied territories.
The second session was dedicated to discussing the prospects for residents of the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine in the context of the negotiation process. The discussion focused on security factors and the peacekeeping aspect. Particular attention was paid to the question of what Ukraine can do now to address the humanitarian needs of the residents of the TOT during the negotiation process, as well as to discuss ways in which international partners can provide the necessary assistance in this regard. The experts shared their views on possible strategies and mechanisms to improve the humanitarian situation in the occupied territories and facilitate a peaceful settlement.
The second panel also presented and discussed the statement of human rights defenders on the necessity of considering humanitarian issues of the residents of the TOT of Ukraine during the negotiation process. Human rights defenders stressed that security and human rights issues in the occupied territories should be integrated into any peace negotiations. They called on the Ukrainian authorities and international partners to ensure that the humanitarian needs of the residents of the TOT are considered and proposed specific mechanisms to improve the humanitarian situation and protect the rights of citizens living under occupation.
For reference
The Coalition of organisations that have been dealing with the protection of the rights of victims of the armed aggression against Ukraine since 2014 includes: The Human Rights Centre ZMINA, NGO Donbas SOS, NGO Crimea SOS, CF Right to Protection, CF East SOS, NGO Civil holding GROUP OF INFLUENCE, CF Stabilization Support Services, and the Crimean Human Rights Group.
The event was funded by the UK International Development from the UK Government; the views expressed do not necessarily reflect the official position of the UK Government.
