The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, with support from the Government of Japan, has handed over three mobile reception offices to the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights. These mobile units are designed to operate in areas with high numbers of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and at evacuation sites, providing rights-based consultations and assistance directly to those in need. Fully equipped for on-the-spot support, the vans aim to make human rights services more accessible, particularly in remote and hard-to-reach locations.
The mobile reception offices will help individuals navigate challenges caused by displacement, loss of livelihoods, and uncertainty, while also strengthening the national human rights institution’s ability to respond effectively. Ambassador Masashi Nakagome of Japan highlighted that the initiative enables essential services and protection to reach populations that would otherwise face barriers due to geographic isolation, emphasizing Japan’s continued commitment to supporting the mission of the Ombudsperson’s Office.
Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, stressed that international support is vital for safeguarding human rights during wartime. He noted that mobile offices represent an effective solution to reach people in need, strengthen public trust, and ensure the protection of rights across the country. UNDP Resident Representative Auke Lootsma underlined the importance of a strong local presence of the national human rights institution, particularly in communities hosting large numbers of IDPs, to provide protection and a sense of security during times of great uncertainty.
The office of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights plays a critical role in defending the rights of vulnerable and war-affected individuals. In 2024, the office received 123,221 appeals concerning various human rights issues, marking a 28% increase compared to 2023. The mobile reception offices are part of the “Transformational Recovery for Human Security in Ukraine” project, implemented by UNDP and financed by the Government of Japan, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance human rights protection in the country.
