Today marks four years since the Russian Federation began its large-scale invasion of Ukraine. Four years of armed conflict have meant four years of severe and systematic human rights violations, including millions of displaced persons, thousands of lives lost and countless families still waiting for their loved ones to return from captivity or occupied territories.

Since the start of the aggression against Ukraine, international human rights organisations have warned of serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, particularly against the civilian population, including children. Reports have documented loss of life, forced displacement, the destruction of homes and civilian infrastructure, and other actions contrary to international law. In such circumstances, the role of ombudsmen and national human rights institutions is paramount: they advocate for victims, independently monitor the actions of authorities and facilitate dialogue between states and the international community. Human Rights Ombudswoman Dr Simona Drenik Bavdek expresses her solidarity with all victims of war and supports the efforts of the Ukrainian Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, and his colleagues. On this anniversary, she calls on the international community to continue drawing attention to the situation in Ukraine, disseminating verified information about the war's progress, and intensifying efforts to return Ukrainian citizens home.

The Ombudswoman emphasises: »Respect for human rights, international humanitarian and criminal law and international law in general is a binding legal obligation that also applies during armed conflicts. International humanitarian law and international human rights standards set out clear rules on the protection of civilians and other particularly vulnerable groups. Every life has equal value, and the suffering of civilians must remain at the heart of international efforts to achieve just and lasting peace based on the rule of law. The Ukrainian Ombudsman operates in extremely challenging circumstances, yet remains committed to protecting the dignity of every individual, even in times of war. It is imperative that the international community remains sensitive to mass human rights violations and strives to find a path to peace.«

As the national human rights institution and a member of the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI), the Human Rights Ombudsman of the Republic of Slovenia supports efforts to independently document violations, protect civilians and prisoners of war in accordance with the Geneva Conventions, return illegally displaced persons and ensure accountability for crimes committed. Those responsible for violations of human rights, international humanitarian law and criminal law must be held accountable impartially and consistently.

In this regard, the Human Rights Ombudsman expresses its appreciation to Ombudsmen in neighbouring Ukrainian countries who are working to ensure respect for fundamental rights and access to basic services for displaced persons, and emphasises the urgent need for effective measures to reunite separated families.