Addressing Human Rights Challenges in Odesa Region
A regional forum titled «Human Rights: Wartime Challenges in Odesa Region» was held in Odesa.
The forum brought together local and state officials, law enforcement agencies, diplomats, as well as volunteers, NGOs, and businesses to discuss pressing challenges and develop solutions aimed at reducing the vulnerability of individuals, facilitating rehabilitation, and providing genuine support.
The event was organized by the regional office of the Commissioner of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine for Human Rights.
Maria Popova, the representative of the Commissioner in Odesa, shared the outcomes of the previous year’s work.
The most frequent inquiries in 2024 were related to the rights of military personnel and their families. Therefore, today’s discussions focused on several key issues:
- ensuring the rights of servicemen,
- veterans’ rehabilitation,
- support for the families and children of fallen defenders.
«Protecting human rights is not just a slogan for us, but a daily commitment. We must support those who have sacrificed their health for our country and who now require special attention. Justice means not just supporting those who fought but also preventing the exploitation of their heroism for personal gain. Those who hide behind their backs, neglecting responsibility, will certainly face the consequences from society,» said Odesa’s mayor, Gennady Trukhanov.
