EUAM Ukraine and Ombudsman deepen cooperation to strengthen human rights protection across Ukraine
September 10, 2026
The European Union Advisory Mission (EUAM) Ukraine and the Office of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights are strengthening their cooperation to support effective human rights protection and resilient oversight institutions amid Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.
On 10 September, EUAM Ukraine Head of Mission Cornelia Taylor met with Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets to discuss priorities for further cooperation, including expert and institutional support for the Ombudsperson’s Office and its growing regional network.
The cooperation reflects the important role of the Ombudsperson’s Office in independent oversight, maintaining public trust and protecting people’s rights, particularly at a time when Ukraine’s institutions are dealing with war-related violations, a high volume of citizens’ appeals and growing demands on regional services. It is also closely linked to EUAM’s broader support for accountable, transparent and rights-based civilian security governance.
As part of the visit, EUAM provided 10 additional portable power stations to the Ombudsperson’s Office. Together with nine units delivered in April 2026, the equipment will help regional offices maintain their operations during prolonged power outages and continue providing services to people who need them.
“Protecting human rights requires institutions that remain accessible and operational even under the most difficult circumstances. Our cooperation with the Ombudsperson’s Office is about strengthening exactly this capacity – both in Kyiv and in the regions — while supporting independent oversight and rights-based governance,” said Cornelia Taylor, Head of EUAM Ukraine.
Following the meeting, Dmytro Lubinets thanked EUAM for its continued support and highlighted the Mission’s contribution to strengthening the Ombudsperson’s regional network. He also noted that the new power stations would help ensure the uninterrupted work of regional offices.
Beyond practical assistance, the cooperation is increasingly focused on institutional capacity. Following meetings with the Ombudsperson’s regional representatives in Dnipro, Poltava and Kyiv, EUAM is developing a capacity-building workshop for regional representatives and Secretariat staff. It is expected to focus on strengthening the planning, implementation and follow-up of monitoring visits concerning human rights compliance within civilian security sector institutions, while helping address the existing backlog of appeals. Gender-sensitive monitoring, including issues related to gender-based violence and conflict-related sexual violence, may also form part of this work.
EUAM and the Ombudsperson’s Office are also exploring further areas of cooperation aimed at reinforcing institutional and expert capacity. Since early 2025, EUAM has been a member of the Expert Council under the Ombudsperson’s Representative for International Cooperation and European Integration, contributing expertise on human rights and international humanitarian law.
The Mission will continue working with the Ombudsperson’s Office, the EU Delegation and other EU partners to support strong and independent oversight institutions and ensure that human rights remain at the centre of Ukraine’s civilian security sector reform and European integration.
