Our Work in Ukraine

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.

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

Is the Pentagon Relenting?: A Close Study of Opposition to the Int’l Criminal Court’s Ukraine Investigation

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

What Can Russians Be Sanctioned for Doing? Answers for the U.S., U.K., and E.U. Introduction United States

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

Human Rights First Condemns Renewed Russian Invasion of Ukraine, Calls for Targeted Sanctions on Corrupt and Abusive Officials

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

Six Key Takeaways as Ukraine Marks Two Years of War

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

Coping in the Kharkiv cold

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”

Lviv Offers Fast Track to Safety

Human Rights Activists in Ukraine Call for Swift Response

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.