How can we bring Ukrainians back from Russian captivity? How can we free those trapped by propaganda in the occupied territories? What resources are needed to protect human rights and dignity during wartime? And how, in these difficult times for the country, can we not only preserve but strengthen democracy? These and other pressing challenges facing Ukrainian civil society will be discussed over coffee with human rights defenders during Docudays UA 2025.
The power of collaboration lies at the heart of protecting human rights and democracy. It manifests when civil society participates in decision-making at all levels, drives change, and takes responsibility — not just on paper, but through daily efforts. It is also a vital resource for resistance, mutual support, rebuilding, and healing the country from within.
Every year, the Coffee with Human Rights Activists section — one of the discussion platforms of the RIGHTS NOW! human rights program — brings together impactful public initiatives and projects. In a relaxed atmosphere, we engage leading human rights experts and civil society activists to address complex and pressing topics: the challenges and consequences of war, equality and justice, and the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. We also exchange ideas and experiences, ask uncomfortable questions, and search for meaningful answers.
At the 22nd Docudays UA, the Coffee with Human Rights Defenders events will be co-created in partnership with representatives of six respected Ukrainian and international human rights organizations. Together with experts from The Reckoning Project, we will screen the documentary Children of the Occupation: Donetsk, Mariupol, Crimea, which explores the “re-education” of Ukrainian children in temporarily occupied territories and the deliberate erasure of their national identity. With experts from the Regional Center for Human Rights, we will examine how Russia uses culture and education as tools of ideological pressure and to legitimize territorial occupation. In conversation with human rights advocates from the Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Union, we will reflect on the emerging policy of accountability for collaborationism — how it can protect national security while also considering the human dimension. Activists from the Women’s March will speak about Ukrainian women held in Russian captivity — both military personnel and illegally imprisoned civilians — and the efforts being made to secure their return. In open, interactive discussions with experts from the Center for Civil Liberties, we will explore the right to peaceful assembly and how it is exercised under martial law in Ukraine. Finally, with specialists from the ZMINA Human Rights Center, we will discuss women’s leadership, the challenges faced by women-led initiatives, and the growing pressure on the global feminist movement.
This year, meetings and discussions with human rights defenders will take place over coffee on the terrace of the Bursa Hotel from June 7 to 12. As usual, they’ll start at 10 a.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. on the weekend.
Make your coffee time count with conversations that truly matter. Follow the announcements for Coffee with Human Rights Defenders and learn more about the Docudays UA human rights program in the RIGHTS NOW! section on our website. All program events are free to attend.
The 22nd Docudays UA is held with the financial support of the European Union, the Embassy of Sweden in Ukraine, International Renaissance Foundation. The opinions, conclusions, or recommendations do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union, the governments, or organisations of these countries. Responsibility for the content of the publication lies exclusively with the authors and editors of the publication.
