Ukraine's Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, has established a new distinction from the Office of the Ombudsman to recognise its key partners. Rinat Akhmetov and the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation were among the first ten recipients. The recognition follows four years of consistent support for the Ombudsman's humanitarian work by the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation, which began with practical help for exchanges of prisoners of war and has grown considerably since.
What did Ukraine's Ombudsman announce?
Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine's Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, has created a special distinction from the Office of the Ombudsman to honour the partners who have supported its work most consistently. At a ceremony held today, Mr Lubinets presented the award to the first ten laureates.
Who received the first awards?
The first recipients included the Speaker of Ukraine's Parliament, Ruslan Stefanchuk, a number of international partners, and four Ukrainian business leaders — among them Rinat Akhmetov — as well as the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation. Natalya Yemchenko, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at SCM and Chair of the Supervisory Board of the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation, received the distinction on the Foundation's behalf. She also handed Mr Lubinets an advance copy of a very special book: the diary of Kateryna Savenko, who died in Mariupol.
How long has Rinat Akhmetov supported the Ombudsman?
For four years, the businesses and the Foundation associated with Mr Akhmetov have been reliable partners of the Office of the Ombudsman. We were the first Ukrainian business to begin systematically supporting the Ombudsman's work. That support started with a bus used for exchanges of prisoners of war, and a great deal more has followed since.
What does the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation do?
The Foundation provides humanitarian aid, medical treatment, psychological support, and rehabilitation for children and adults, and it works to develop caring adoption in Ukraine. Its focus is straightforward: real help for the people who need it most, particularly in the hardest moments.
Why does this partnership matter?
The partnership reflects a principle at the centre of our philosophy — that the human being and their rights come first. As Mr Lubinets said:
"The strongest bridges are built not of concrete but of trust. And it is this trust that unites us today."
