From the Right to Life and Dignity: East SOS Activities Through the Prism of Protecting Fundamental Human Rights

On December 10, the world marks International Human Rights Day, commemorating the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the UN General Assembly in 1948. This landmark document enshrines fundamental human rights, including the right to life, liberty, dignity, and education.

Since 2014, and especially following the beginning of the full-scale invasion, russia has systematically violated these fundamental rights of Ukrainians – destroying homes, displacing families, and taking civilian lives. These actions represent a direct assault on the values and principles set forth in the Universal Declaration.

Protecting human rights and supporting people affected by the war has always been at the core of East SOS activities. Below, we highlight how the Foundation’s work contributes to the protection of key human rights guaranteed by international law.

Everyone Has the Right to Life, Liberty, and Security of Person

As russia continues to violate Ukrainians’ fundamental right to life through daily attacks on towns and villages, shelling of civilian infrastructure, and strikes during evacuations or humanitarian operations, the East SOS Charity Foundation works to save lives by organizing evacuations from frontline and high-risk areas.

Evacuation from danger means lives saved.

No One Should Be Subjected to Unreasonable Attacks on the Security of Their Home

Millions of Ukrainians have lost their homes as a result of russian shelling, occupation, and deliberate destruction of civilian infrastructure. The aggressor state has encroached on people’s homes – cruelly, arrogantly, and with utter disregard for human dignity.

The East SOS Charity Foundation supports people whose homes have been damaged or destroyed by the war. Where possible, our team helps restore housing by carrying out repairs and reconstruction, as well as arranging temporary accommodation for internally displaced persons.

Additionally, East SOS specialists offer legal assistance to help individuals apply for and receive compensation for damaged or destroyed property. We stand in solidarity with those who were forced to leave their homes.

All People Are Born Free and Equal in Dignity and Rights

Every person, regardless of their location, has the right to dignity and the right to recognition as a person before the law. The enemy violates the dignity and fundamental rights of Ukrainians every day. In response, East SOS supports people whose rights have been violated as a result of the war by providing comprehensive protection and assistance:

• providing legal aid at the sites of russian attacks in Ukrainian cities;
• offering consultations in communities, transit centers, and within psychosocial and legal support spaces “Zatyshno Space”;
• advocating for the protection of human rights at both national and international levels.

Everyone, as a Member of Society, Has the Right to Social Security

East SOS helps people affected by the war access the social services they need. We also provide psychological support.

We believe that every person has the right to a decent life, regardless of their circumstances or location.

Everyone Has the Right to Education

Education is a fundamental right for every child and young person, yet russia systematically deprives Ukrainians of this right. Schools are destroyed, students and teachers are persecuted for their pro-Ukrainian position, and russian curricula are forcibly imposed in temporarily occupied territories. Access to accurate information is also restricted.

Our experts conduct information campaigns and advocate for the importance of accessible and safe education for children and youth from the frontline and temporarily occupied territories in Ukraine.

No One Shall Be Subjected to Torture, Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

russia continues to commit crimes against civilian and military Ukrainians in captivity and in temporarily occupied territories, including torture, inhumane conditions, deprivation of freedom, and denial of basic rights, such as the right to vote.

The East SOS Charity Foundation works to document alleged war crimes, make this information publicly available, provide psychological, legal, and social support to the victims, and advocate for justice.

Rights are not a formality – they are people’s lives, safety, dignity, and future.

Every day, the foundation ensures that these rights are not only declared but actively upheld. In times of conflict, such work is invaluable.

On the Day of Dignity and Freedom, East SOS published materials about unbreakable Ukrainians.