On 10 June 2026, the European Union and Ukraine held their 11th Human Rights Dialogue in Brussels, co-chaired by Baiba Tavaresa, Acting Deputy Managing Director for Ukraine at the European External Action Service, and Liudmyla Suhak, Acting Minister of Justice of Ukraine. The meeting reaffirmed both sides' commitment to the highest standards of human rights and strongly condemned Russia's ongoing war of aggression, including systematic violations such as arbitrary detention, torture, sexual violence, and forced transfers of civilians and children.
The dialogue focused heavily on accountability for international crimes. The parties discussed progress on the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression and the International Claims Commission, and welcomed the recent inclusion of Russian armed forces in the UN Secretary-General's report on conflict-related sexual violence. Ukraine's implementation of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and cooperation with Eurojust were also reviewed, alongside national accountability efforts.
Human rights impact of the war
Participants deplored Russia's intensifying suppression of Ukrainian identity in occupied territories, including forced conscription, religious persecution, and indoctrination of children. They specifically condemned Russia's plan to hold a so-called "World children's Conference" titled "Children for Peace" from 21 June to 12 July 2026 in Crimea, calling it a whitewash of systemic violations against children. The parties also discussed the severe impact on rights to health, work, education, water, energy, sanitation, and housing, with Ukraine presenting mitigation measures for vulnerable groups such as internally displaced persons, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
Transitional justice and electoral reforms
Ukraine outlined its holistic strategies for de-occupied territories and transitional justice, emphasising survivor-centred support for victims of conflict-related sexual violence and torture. The dialogue also covered Ukraine's progress on Women, Peace and Security, with the EU welcoming the adoption of the National Action Plan and encouraging its effective implementation. On electoral reforms, the parties discussed alignment with EU and international standards, including OSCE/ODIHR recommendations, and the work of a Working Group established in December 2025 to develop legislative proposals for post-war elections.
Next steps
Both sides confirmed their determination to continue close cooperation on human rights in multilateral fora, including the UN Human Rights Council. The EU reaffirmed its unwavering support for Ukraine across all human rights dimensions. The next EU-Ukraine Human Rights Dialogue is expected to take place in 2027.