Human Rights First has been meaningfully engaged on human rights issues in Eastern Europe for decades, and particularly active with Ukrainian allies since the first Russian invasion in 2014. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February, 2022, Human Rights First has played an important role in the global response.
Our work in Ukraine aligns with our organization’s overall strategic approach. In 2022, our efforts spanned three broad categories: Sanctions & Accountability, Research & Reporting, and Support for Human Rights Defenders.
We have worked to bring sanctions and other accountability to Russian leaders and war criminals; advocated for changes in U.S. policy to better support international criminal accountability institutions with jurisdiction over war crimes in Ukraine; issued dozens of reports and commentaries from Ukraine; and provided technical and logistical support, training, and other aid to Ukrainian Human Rights Defenders and allies.
Sanctions and Accountability
With the unique expertise that comes from five years of groundbreaking work, Human Rights First is civil society’s leader on targeted human rights and anti-corruption sanctions. Since immediately after the invasion, we have supported key allies focused on accountability for human rights abuse and corruption.
Our work in sanctions
Resources: Targeted Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Sanctions
Commending U.S. Policy on ICC’s Ukraine Investigation
Biden’s Cooperation with the ICC Is a Step Toward Embracing Reality
Why Isn’t the Pentagon Helping the International Court Prosecute Putin?
Almost There: When Will the Biden Administration Support the ICC in Ukraine?
Justice for Ukraine and the U.S. Government’s Anomalous Int’l Criminal Court Policy
From Magnitsky to the Mothers of Mariupol
Biden Should Speak Out on Trans People Blocked from Leaving Ukraine
In Poland, Biden Must Meet NGOs and Refugees
Human Rights First Calls on Russian Authorities to Stop Muzzling Civil Society
U.S. Should Spell Out How It Will Help Activists Needing to Flee Ukraine
Targeted Sanctions on Corrupt and Abusive Russian Officials: What Civil Society is Calling For
Research and Reporting
Building on engagement in Ukraine dating back to 2014, Human Rights First has taken regular trips to the country since the February 2022 invasion to provide solidarity with Human Rights Defenders there and report about the situation facing these activists and other Ukrainians. Read our reports below:
Our research and reporting
Double Jeopardy: Russia Threatens to Invade Kupiansk Again
High Stakes for Human Rights as Kharkiv Battles Corruption
Bombed Out and Occupied: Russia’s Invasion of Izyum
Civilians Under Air Attack in Ukraine Warned: “Overconfidence Is Your Weakness”
How the Ukrainian village of Tsyrkuny Survived Russian Occupation
Russian Forces Attack Medical Facilities Across Ukraine
Ukrainian Activists Urge Reform on Prisoner Swaps and Military Ombudsman
Same-sex Partnerships In Ukraine Would Show Its Values
As Winter Bites, Russian Missiles Threaten Ukraine’s Power Supply
How LGBT Groups in Kharkiv Help The City Fight Back
A Taste of Normal Life in a Ukrainian City at War
Leading Rights Activist Joins Ukraine’s Army and is Taken Prisoner
Responsibly Researching War Crimes in Ukraine
Air Raid App Offers Reassurance in Ukraine
Ukraine’s Public Mobilizes to Document War Crimes
“There is a Shortage of Body Bags”
Support for Ukrainian Human Rights Defenders and Allies
Human Rights First provides additional support to Ukrainian Human Rights Defenders and other allies, including technical support to non-governmental groups advocating for targeted sanctions. Our logistical support included moving supplies requested by Ukrainian HRDs and organizations through dangerous areas to reach those activists.
Our work with HRD's and allies
Undaunted by War, Ukrainian Anti-Corruption Activists Track Public Spending
NGO Sphere Provides Resistance and Aid in Kharkiv
Civilians Organize to Resist Russian Occupation in Ukraine
Ten things the U.S. should do to help Ukraine’s civil society
Ukraine’s Gwara Media Fights For Truth in Kharkiv
Ukrainian Experts Produce Guide for Journalists Reporting War-Related Sexual Violence
Mila Yankina’s Medical Work in the Violence of Kyiv
Driven by Humanity: One Polish Volunteer’s Efforts in Ukraine
Ukraine Medics Face Rocket Attacks with Defiance
Human Rights First Expresses Solidarity with Ukrainian People