November 1, 2024, in Kyiv, a formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding took place between the Transnational Intergovernmental Foundation International Human Rights Commission – IHRC and the Council of National Communities of Ukraine. This event occurred at 14:00 Kyiv time, emphasising the determination of both sides to strengthen international cooperation and protect human rights.
On behalf of the Transnational Intergovernmental Foundation International Human Rights Commission – IHRC, registered in accordance with Swiss legislation in Zurich, the agreement was signed by Prof. h.c. Rafał Marcin Wasik, IHRC Secretary General, together with the Council of National Communities of Ukraine, based in Kyiv, represented by the Chairman, Mr. Ashot Avanesian. Both sides, acting in accordance with their statutes and principles, highlighted the importance of cooperation in the areas of human rights protection, enhancement of international public security, and good governance and administration.
The sides expressed their intent to cooperate in order to create modern structures that strengthen public safety and protect the rights, lives, and health of people affected by armed conflicts. The agreement includes training observers and volunteers, as well as medical and logistical services for humanitarian programmes.
The sides committed to jointly seeking ways to support each other in establishing contacts with governmental and non-governmental organisations, as well as other international institutions, local administrations, and specialised agencies that can collaborate in implementing joint initiatives.
Both sides expressed their willingness to organise information exchange to strengthen human rights protection and public safety, as well as to develop joint international projects and create international networks of cooperation.
The Memorandum envisages the creation of a database of experts and consultants that both sides can utilise to obtain the human and financial resources necessary to carry out joint projects. Both sides also agree to use each other’s logos and recognise the ranks and identification cards of members, ensuring them appropriate assistance and protection.
In the activities related to the negotiation and signing of this Memorandum, the Secretary General of the IHRC, Prof. h.c. Rafał Marcin Wasik, was supported by the IHRC Ambassador Anatolii Katrych and the IHRC Commissioner Roman Kasadzhyk, who were also present at the signing ceremony. Their support was instrumental in facilitating the agreement and underscored the dedication of the IHRC team to advancing international cooperation and human rights protections in Ukraine.
The Memorandum signed today marks another step towards international cooperation for the defence of human rights and public safety, particularly in the context of the current challenges in Ukraine. Joint projects, including international partnerships and mutual support in relations with public institutions, are intended to build lasting and effective structures that contribute to improving the human rights situation and collective security.
The agreement was signed by Prof. h.c. Rafał Marcin Wasik, IHRC Secretary General and Mr. Ashot Avanesian, Chairman of the Council of National Communities of Ukraine, emphasising the importance of joint action for the public good.
Reported:
Dawid Szablowski
Head of IHRC Press Department
