RWI is currently implementing the project “Strengthen the Engagement of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights (UPCHR) to promote Human Rights at the Local Level” (SHRELOC), with funding from the Swedish Institute.
Supporting the institution in identifying needs, stakeholders, and funding opportunities is crucial to strengthening UPCHR’s regional offices—which are facing serious challenges such as understaffing and the need for capacity building. This is also vital and constitutes an integral part of RWI’s efforts to support the Ukrainian EU accession process.
Under the project, RWI is collaborating with UPCHR to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the institution’s regional needs, focusing on its most pressing challenges. The findings of this assessment will be compiled into a report that will be shared with relevant Ukrainian stakeholders and potential donors, providing a clear overview of priority areas for support. Based on these insights, RWI will explore further capacity-building initiatives and funding opportunities to enhance the institution’s ability to promote and protect human rights effectively at all levels.
In May 2025, RWI signed a new agreement with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) on support to the project “Human Rights Infrastructure for Ukraine 2025–2027“ (HRIU). Through Sida’s support, RWI will work closely with Ukrainian institutions, civil society, and public authorities, including UPCHR, to strengthen human rights protections as Ukraine advances in its reconstruction and European Union accession process, particularly its judiciary and fundamental rights requirements.
