H.E. Oleksandra Matviichuk

H.E. Oleksandra Matviichuk

H.E. Oleksandra Matviichuk is a human rights lawyer who works on issues in Ukraine and the OSCE region. She heads the human rights organisation Center for Civil Liberties, which was awarded the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize. The organisation aims to protect human rights and establish democracy in Ukraine and the OSCE region by developing legislative changes, exercising public oversight over law enforcement agencies and judiciary, conducting educational activities for young people, and implementing international solidarity programs.

Matviichuk has written reports for the United Nations, the Council of Europe, the European Union, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and the International Criminal Court. Her work has been recognised with several awards, including the OSCE Democracy Defender Award in 2016, the Right Livelihood Award in 2022, and acknowledgement as one of the twenty-five most influential women in the world by the Financial Times in 2022.

Oleksandra believes in the extraordinary power of ordinary people, particularly when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. She believes that individuals inspired and mobilised can change the course of history. She is convinced that the struggle for freedom and human rights are universal values that resonate deeply with people everywhere.