On 10 June 2026, the European Union and Ukraine held eleventh Human Rights Dialogue. As part of the Ukrainian delegation, Nelia Hrynyshyn, Head of the Crimea Platform Department, participated in the meeting.
The parties strongly condemned Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine and its blatant violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, including arbitrary deprivation of life and detention, enforced disappearances, systematic torture and ill-treatment of civilians and prisoners of war, conflict-related sexual violence, illegal deportation and forcible transfers of civilians, including children.
Participants deplored the intensification of systemic suppression of Ukrainian identity, as well as various forms of repression, forced conscription, religious persecution, indoctrination of children and youth and militarization and russification of the Ukrainian population living in the temporary occupied territories. Participants condemned also Russia’s intentions to organize a so-called “World children’s Conference” titled “Children for Peace” from 21stJune to 12th July 2026 in one of the temporary occupied territories of Ukraine, the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, which is a vile attempt to whitewash the systemic violations of both international humanitarian and human rights law with regard to children.
Nelia Hrynyshyn highlighted the human rights situation in occupied Crimea, drawing attention to pressure on women, religious persecution, restrictions on freedom of expression, and the effective control established by the occupying authorities over the information space of the peninsula.
She also informed participants about the militarization of education in Crimea, the indoctrination of children and youth, and Russia’s attempts to legitimize its occupation of Crimea through the involvement of foreign citizens.
During the Dialogue, the parties also discussed Ukraine’s efforts to develop comprehensive strategies and policies for the reintegration of de-occupied territories, including in the area of transitional justice.
The EU reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to continue supporting Ukraine across all human rights dimensions, advancing its alignment with EU and international standards, and mitigating the severe negative impacts of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression.