Council of Europe: a new report by the Secretary General denounces the continued deterioration of human rights in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine
On 9 September 2026, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, presented a new annual report on the human rights situation in the territories of Ukraine temporarily occupied by the Russian Federation. The report covers the period from April 2025 to March 2026 and was presented to the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.
According to the report, approximately 3.5 million Ukrainian citizens continue to live in the temporarily occupied territories. The Council of Europe observes that the occupation has become increasingly entrenched through the adoption of Russian laws and policies aimed at strengthening control over these territories and further separating them from the rest of Ukraine, in breach of the international obligations applicable to an occupying power.
Particular attention is given to the consequences of the forced extension of Russian citizenship and related documentation requirements. The report also examines the situation of the Ukrainian population, indigenous peoples and national minorities, as well as the protection of cultural heritage. Other areas addressed include freedom of thought, conscience and religion, access to education – including education in one’s mother tongue – freedom of expression and movement, and the property right.
The report further highlights the situation of children who have been forcibly transferred or unlawfully deported, as well as issues concerning accountability and transitional justice. According to the Council of Europe, the policies implemented during the reporting period reflect a systematic approach that goes beyond territorial control and affects fundamental aspects of people's lives, including their identity, rights and access to essential freedoms.
The deterioration of the human rights situation has continued in the broader context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The Council of Europe reports serious and widespread violations affecting individuals and communities in the occupied territories. At the same time, the absence of physical access to these areas and the lack of cooperation from the Russian authorities continue to make independent monitoring, verification of information and direct contact with victims particularly difficult.
Against this background, the Council of Europe underlines the importance of continuing to monitor the human rights situation in the temporarily occupied territories, supporting Ukraine in strengthening appropriate legal and institutional mechanisms, and ensuring accountability for violations. The report also stresses that future efforts towards peace will need to address fundamental humanitarian and human rights issues, including the release of civilian detainees and prisoners of war, the return of Ukrainian children who have been transferred or deported, and accountability for violations committed during the war.
The situation documented by the Council of Europe underlines the importance of placing human rights, human dignity and accountability at the centre of efforts towards a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.