Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Iryna Mudra, met with the Director of Human Rights at the Directorate General of Human Rights and Rule of Law of the Council of Europe, Clare Ovey.
Iryna Mudra thanked the Council of Europe for its steadfast support of Ukraine and emphasized that the rule of law and the protection of human rights are among the priorities of the President of Ukraine.
During the meeting, the parties discussed in detail the key areas of cooperation within the framework of the Council of Europe’s Action Plan for Ukraine for 2023–2026.
Clare Ovey commended Ukraine’s progress in establishing mechanisms to hold Russia accountable for its crimes against Ukraine and Ukrainians. She added that the Council of Europe will take an active part in ensuring the swift ratification of the convention establishing the Claims Commission and will continue to provide expert and technical assistance to Ukraine in the areas of justice, human rights, and reform.
Particular attention was devoted to the steps needed to launch as soon as possible the Special Tribunal for the Russian Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine and the Claims Commission for Ukraine.
Work is ongoing to attract funding from international partners for the establishment of the Special Tribunal. In particular, this week the European Union announced a contribution of EUR 10 million. Ukraine expects that both the Special Tribunal and the Claims Commission will become operational next year.