Report
Published on August 26, 2026
More than four years after Russia’s full-scale invasion, and under continuing intense risk, local Human Rights Defenders in Ukraine say they are establishing the foundations for a post-war society underpinned by human rights.
Human Rights First has for many years been working alongside activists at the frontline of the war. It has reported on how they are providing vital services and have emerged as increasingly trusted leaders.
Activists are responding to a range of threats resulting from Russian attacks. Many are organizing humanitarian efforts, while others are exposing corruption, countering disinformation, addressing local conflicts and holding communities together under pressure.
Polling in Ukraine shows that while trust in core democratic institutions, including parliament, the government and political parties, remains low, public trust in civil society has remained consistently high as civil society continues to innovate and hold the government to account.
Despite often having had little or no experience in human rights or humanitarian work before the 2022 invasion, many activists have since built organizations and networks, developed new expertise, and become established civil society leaders
Helen Hetmanenko of the Kharkiv Anti-Corruption Centre told Human Rights First: “The foundations for what will function after the war are being laid already today. And activists are part of that too.”
Whenever the conflict ends, activists should have a major role in shaping postwar Ukraine.
For that to happen, activists delivering that work now must stay alive, and stay physically and mentally healthy. For them to continue to enjoy public trust, they also require funding to continue with their human rights work.
This low-cost investment in protecting civil society resilience is vital for Ukraine’s future, and donors should immediately and substantially fund local human rights organizations and activists whose work is delivering results now and could continue to far into the future.
To read the full report, Investing in Ukraine’s Future: Protecting Its Civil Society, click here or below.
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