Strengthening human rights oversight: EUAM Ukraine and Ombudsperson to review their cooperation
April 29, 2026
Protecting human rights in wartime requires strong institutions that can respond to growing needs – both in Kyiv and across Ukraine’s regions.
On 27 April in Kyiv, the Head of the European Union Advisory Mission Ukraine (EUAM Ukraine), Rolf Holmboe, met with the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, reviewed ongoing cooperation and discuss the next steps in supporting the Ombudsperson’s Office.
The meeting reflected the strong and evolving partnership between EUAM Ukraine and the Ombudsperson’s Office, particularly in the context of Russia’s full-scale invasion. As the number of war-related cases continues to rise, the institution plays a critical role in supporting individuals affected by violations, including internally displaced persons, detainees, and families of prisoners of war.
The discussion focused on current priorities and challenges, including the increasing workload, the need to strengthen regional outreach, and ways to ensure that people across Ukraine know how to access support and protection mechanisms.
EUAM Ukraine reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Office’s institutional capacity and oversight role within the civilian security sector. This includes continued engagement through expert platforms, support to human rights initiatives, and cooperation aimed at aligning national practices with European and international standards.
As part of this broader cooperation, EUAM Ukraine delivered nine portable power stations to the Ombudsperson’s regional offices. While modest in scale, such support helps ensure continuity of services during power outages, allowing representatives to remain accessible to citizens when it matters most.
Looking ahead, the meeting also provided space to exchange views on potential future initiatives. Among them is the concept of a Human Rights Protection Center, aimed at improving access to services for people affected by war, including vulnerable and conflict-affected groups.
EUAM Ukraine and the Ombudsperson’s Office share the common objective to ensure that human rights protection remains effective, accessible, and resilient – even under the pressures of war. Continued cooperation will focus on practical steps to strengthen this work where it is needed most.
