Campaign Urges Immediate Release of Ukraine's Civilian Detainees, POWs

A coalition of 31 human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, launched the 'People First' campaign, urging that the immediate release of civilian detainees and prisoners of war (POWs) be prioritized in any future negotiations to end Russia's war against Ukraine. The campaign highlights the plight of approximately 16,000 Ukrainian civilians unlawfully detained in Russia and calls for their unconditional release, as well as the repatriation of POWs. The initiative comes as discussions around potential negotiations gain momentum following the election of U.S. President Donald Trump. Concurrently, the winter session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has begun, focusing on the situation of Ukrainian detainees and the broader context of the war. Furthermore, as war crimes allegations surface, including reports of Ukrainian forces torturing Russian POWs, the conversation surrounding the treatment of detainees remains critical. The ongoing efforts reflect a growing urgency to address human rights violations amid the conflict.