Media Initiative for Human Rights

The Media Initiative for Human Rights (MIHR) is a Ukrainian NGO that combines journalism and human rights protection to uncover Russian war crimes in Ukraine and respond to human rights violations related to Russian aggression. The Media Initiative for Human Rights is a media team that changes foreign and domestic policy for Ukraine’s integration into the free world. MIHR was founded in September 2016 by two Ukrainian journalists, Olha Reshetylova and Maria Tomak. Immediately after the organization's creation, the main activity of MIHR was journalistic investigations of human rights violations followed by advocacy support of cases. Currently, MIHR combine monitoring and documenting human rights violations in connection with the armed aggression of the Russian Federation, coverage, investigation of individual episodes, analysis of collected data, and advocacy activities. For the MIHR team, it is crucial not only to talk about the human rights violations in the occupied territories and the war zone but, above all, to encourage appropriate responses to them at the national and international levels. What we do - Investigate and document international crimes committed by Russian occupiers in Ukraine, particularly forcible disappearances and improper detention of kidnapped civilians. - Maintain the lists of victims, identify alleged perpetrators, and cooperate with national and law enforcement agencies to investigate crimes. - Study the quasi-legal system in the part of Ukraine’s territory occupied by Russia. - Analyze and draw attention to key processes in Ukrainian courts and problems of pre-trial investigation regarding the war, and involve journalists in more active coverage of this topic. - Analyze the practices implemented by the Russian Federation's military and prepare recommendations for the Ukrainian government, the international community, and the public to achieve justice. - Advocate changes in government policies and social practices regarding the provis