After two years of Russia’s full-scale invasion, apart from increasing military support, what more is being done to protect Ukrainians?

This week, the world marked two terrible years of suffering since Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Two years of intense and barbaric attacks on civilians and two years of brutal violations against them. Two years of Ukrainians living with the constant threat that, at any moment, they could lose their homes, schools, hospitals, and their lives.

While the impact of the invasion has sent shockwaves through Europe and beyond, it is important to remember that Ukraine became a warzone in 2014 when Russia seized Crimea and invaded the Donbas region, leading to a prolonged military aggression in the occupied parts of Donbas ever since. There is little doubt that insufficient sanction on the Russian leader and his ambition emboldened him further.

Fast forward to today, and the Kremlin has intensified its assault on Ukraine, launching heavy missile attacks targeting Kyiv, Lviv, Dnipro, and other major urban areas in recent weeks. This escalation has led to a significant increase in civilian casualties. According to the UN, around 40 per cent of the country’s current population requires some form of humanitarian assistance. The strikes in Lviv in mid-February heavily damaged key energy facilities. Ukrainian officials believe Russian forces are attempting to replicate previous winter attacks, which wrought havoc on Ukraine's power sector, resulting in prolonged blackouts for millions.

Yet in the face of criminal barbarism by Russia, and despite the ongoing horrors, the people of Ukraine have shown inspiring resilience and strength. They have come together to support their communities, educate their children, and make sure their stories are heard. We recognise and appreciate the deep commitment and hard work of humanitarian and rights groups and activists offering ongoing support where they can, knowing how vital that support is at this time.

And we recognise and celebrate the courage of the journalists working tirelessly, and so often at great personal risk, to report on the ground and bring vital information to people who need it most. While their work is painstaking and risky, it shines a light on personal stories the world might not otherwise know. The work they do to combat Russia’s propaganda is more vital than ever and a reminder of the indispensable role the profession plays in times of war.

As international efforts continue to support Ukraine, we will continue our unwavering support for the people in Ukraine. We add our voice to calls for an impartial and thorough investigation into war crimes and other acts of violence against civilians. We call on Russia to release Ukrainian civilians in captivity, and ensure respect for the rights of prisoners of war (POWs) under the Geneva Convention are upheld. That includes access to medical assistance for POWs and civilians held by Russian forces.

Ukraine is set to lead a new resolution on disinformation during conflict at the next session of the UN Human Rights Council, which begins in Geneva on 26 February. As part of our UN advocacy work, ARTICLE 19 will highlight situations where information threats take the shape of propaganda for war and illegal hate speech that constitutes incitement to violence, discrimination or hostility.

We will also lead more in-depth discussions about the role social media companies play in protecting freedom of expression and free flow of information. Equally, we will highlight their responsibilities to address the spread of violent messages, including through greater transparency, accountability, and user empowerment, and through implementing a free speech-rooted approach in their content moderation and curation policies and processes.

With the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, and with Special Rapporteurs, Independent Experts, and Working Groups – known as UN Special Procedures – we have an opportunity to push for change. These specialists use their knowledge about and experiences of countries and specific themes as powerful tools to pressure governments, policy makers, and businesses and groups with influence – often in response to and in dialogue with civil society and human rights advocates.

Get involved. Spread the word and urge your governments to speak up for Ukraine at the UN.

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