During his visit to Ukraine in March 2025, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights emphasised that human rights must serve as guiding principles in any discussions toward peace. Building on his previous work on a human rights–based roadmap to peace, the Commissioner’s memorandum outlines key observations and recommendations for ensuring a comprehensive, just and lasting peace, as well as for Ukraine’s reconstruction and recovery. It also addresses broader human rights concerns identified during the visit, in line with the Commissioner’s mandate to promote and protect human rights across Council of Europe member states.
INTRODUCTION I. HUMAN RIGHTS AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION II. TEN ELEMENTS ESSENTIAL FOR A HUMAN RIGHTS ROADMAP FOR A JUST, LASTING AND EFFECTIVE PEACE AND UKRAINE’S RECOVERY
1. Accountability
2. Reparation for the victims
3. Prisoners, children, and missing persons
4. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees
5. People living in temporarily occupied territories
6. Martial law
7. Reconstruction and recovery
8. EU accession pathway
9. Role of women in peace processes
10. Involvement of actors
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