Protection of servicemembers’ rights as a part of security for Ukraine and Europe: Olha Reshetylova’s remarks at the Justice Conference

Protection of servicemembers’ rights is part of the future architecture of justice and security for Ukraine and Europe.

This was stated by the Military Ombudsman, Olha Reshetylova, during her speech at the international Justice Conference, organized by the Office of the President of Ukraine and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine with the support of international partners. The key themes of the conference included holding Russia accountable for war crimes, establishing a special tribunal for the crime of aggression, securing the return of abducted Ukrainian children, ensuring the payment of reparations, and achieving sustainable peace and global security. The Ukrainian state views the protection of servicemembers’ rights as an essential element of this process.

Olha Reshetylova emphasized that the role of the Ukrainian Armed Forces as a security shield for Europe makes the protection of servicemembers’ rights a common cause for Ukraine and the whole European space.

In less than a month since the Office of the Military Ombudsman began its work, nearly 2,500 complaints concerning violations of servicemembers’ rights have been received. This demonstrates the urgent need for an effective protection mechanism.

“I am convinced that the most important right of our defenders is the right to victory and justice. Only an army that possesses a strong sense of dignity can prevail with honor on the battlefield. Ukraine is building a system for the protection of servicemembers’ rights during a full-scale war. This is a unique experience for the world. It is already generating significant interest among our partners — and we will share this experience with them,” Olha Reshetylova emphasized.