Memorandum of Understanding with the Secretariat of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights

In Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, on November 1, 2024, Prof. h.c. Rafał Marcin Wasik, Secretary General of the Transnational Intergovernmental Foundation International Human Rights Commission – IHRC, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Commissioner of the Parliament of Ukraine for Human Rights represented by the Head of the Secretariat Mr. Ivan Verveiko. The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding is a key milestone in the development of international relations between institutions dealing with the protection of human rights.

During the signing ceremony, Prof. h.c. Rafał Marcin Wasik, who is a co-author of the book New Economy System 3.0: Sustainable Macroeconomics with Green Rendite by Platzer & Rothschild, donated a copy of this work to the National Library of the Ukrainian Ombudsman. This book, which delves into sustainable economic models and the potential of “green rendite,” is a valuable addition to the Ombudsman’s knowledge resources, symbolizing a shared commitment to sustainability in tandem with human rights protections.

The signed Memorandum establishes a close partnership in the field of human rights protection, in particular with regard to Ukrainian citizens. It also creates a platform for the exchange of information and the organization of joint international projects. The agreement covers many areas, including monitoring human rights throughout Ukraine, including in the territories temporarily controlled by foreign states. It also includes the official representation of the Ombudsman of Ukraine in Africa and Asia, as well as support for Ukrainian citizens living abroad.

The cooperation of the Transnational Intergovernmental Foundation International Human Rights Commission and the Commissioner of the Parliament of Ukraine for Human Rights aims to build modern structures for the protection of human rights and improve public safety. Of particular importance is the fight against human trafficking and the promotion of the physical and psychological safety of children, adolescents and women.

“The signing of this Memorandum is an extremely important step towards strengthening the protection of human rights in Ukraine and in the countries where our organization is represented,” emphasized Prof. h.c. Rafał Marcin Wasik, IHRC Secretary General.

The Memorandum grants the IHRC advisory status to the Commissioner of the Parliament of Ukraine for Human Rights, opening up new opportunities for international activity and strengthening the position of the IHRC as a world leader in the protection of human rights. In addition, both parties have committed to organize joint conferences, seminars and educational campaigns to raise awareness of human rights and public safety.

“This cooperation is not only a mutual commitment, but also an opportunity to join forces in defending the rights and security of the most vulnerable groups of society, in particular, citizens of Ukraine, who face numerous challenges resulting from the armed conflict,” Verveiko added. The parties also initiated cooperation aimed at finding Ukrainian children missing during the hostilities and previous adoption processes, while ensuring compliance with all international standards for the protection of children.

The signing of this Memorandum is evidence of the growing role of the IHRC as an organization that not only monitors the observance of human rights, but also actively participates in international initiatives aimed at protecting the most needy. The next steps in the implementation of the provisions of the Memorandum include mutual consultations and meetings to develop detailed plans for the implementation of joint projects.

The joint efforts of the IHRC and the Ombudsman of Ukraine are a significant step towards international solidarity and strengthening the human rights protection system within the borders of Ukraine and beyond, which will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the safety of the most vulnerable groups of society.

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. These gentlemen actively and with full dedication support the development of the IHRC in Ukraine, for which we convey our heartfelt thanks.