On 12-13 December 2023, an anti-crisis communication training was held in Kyiv for 19 staff members of the Communication Department of the Ombudsperson’s Office.

During the two-day training, participants familiarized with the  concept and peculiarities of anti-crisis government communications, identified new communication challenges faced by the Department in the military context, notably when it comes to discrimination and hate crimes, and explored possible ways to address them. They also learned how to better promote in the communication environment the rights of victims of discrimination and hatred, especially those belonging to vulnerable groups and minorities.

The main focus of the training was providing practical knowledge and support in building a communication strategy for the official representatives of the Ombudsperson's Office, who often find themselves facing challenging circumstances or crisis situations.  With the support of an experienced trainer in the field of anti-crisis communications, participants practiced various formats of media interactions, including commentaries, interviews, press briefings, press conferences, and television formats. The importance of a sensitive communication on diversity was highlighted.

The training was highly appreciated by the participants who expressed the importance of such topic and the need for continuous training to improve skills of staff . 

It was confirmed that the Council of Europe and the European Union stand ready to further support educational initiatives on strengthening the professional competence of the Ombudsperson’s Office staff to communicate on human rights issues with the public, with a particular focus on protecting the rights of victims of discrimination and hatred, notably those belonging to vulnerable groups.

The training was organised in the framework of the Council of Europe project «Supporting Implementation of the European Human Rights Standards in Ukraine» and of the EU/COE Joint project «Support for implementing European standards relating to anti-discrimination and rights of national minorities in Ukraine».