The Centre for Civil Liberties, established in 2007, operates under the leadership of Oleksandra Matviichuk, who has directed the non-profit organization since its inception. Based in Kyiv, she focuses her legal practice on democratic reform, the documentation of war crimes, and international mobilization campaigns, advocating for human rights protections across the OSCE region and beyond.
Education and Early Career
Born in 1983 in Boyarka, Matviichuk attended the Ukrainian Humanities Lyceum before enrolling at the Faculty of Law of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. She completed her studies in 2007, earning an LL.M. That same year, she joined the newly founded Centre for Civil Liberties. By 2012, her expertise led to her appointment to the Advisory Council under the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Verkhovna Rada.
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Following the crackdown on demonstrators at Independence Square on 30 November 2013, Matviichuk organized the Euromaidan SOS initiative. This group provided legal counsel to victims and gathered data to protect protesters. Her international advocacy grew during this period, including campaigns such as #letmypeoplego and #SaveOlegSentsov, which sought the release of prisoners of conscience. She has submitted extensive reports to the UN, the Council of Europe, and the European Union, while also filing submissions to the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
War Crimes and Global Advocacy
Between the Revolution of Dignity and 2022, Matviichuk concentrated on documenting war crimes in the Donbas region. In 2014, she met with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden to discuss support for Ukraine. Following the 2022 invasion, she became a prominent representative for civil society in international media, focusing on internally displaced persons. She has advocated for the establishment of a special tribunal to try Russian leadership and soldiers, arguing that accountability is essential to curb human rights violations.
Recognition and Nominations
Matviichuk has received numerous distinctions for her work. In 2007, she became the youngest recipient of the Vasyl Stus Prize. Subsequent honors include the 2015 Sjur Lindebrække Prize, the 2016 Democracy Defender Award, and the 2017 Woman of Courage award from the U.S. Embassy. In 2021, she became the first female Ukrainian candidate for the UN Committee against Torture. Her 2022 accolades include the Right Livelihood Award and being named one of the BBC 100 Women. In 2023, she received an honorary doctorate from the Catholic University of Louvain.
Fast facts
- Born: 8 October 1983, Boyarka
- Education: Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv
- Organization: Center for Civil Liberties
- Citizenship: Ukraine
- First female Ukrainian UN Committee against Torture candidate: 2021
- Member of: PEN Ukraine
Questions readers ask
What is the primary focus of the Centre for Civil Liberties?
The organization focuses on democratic reforms, legal assistance for victims of rights violations, and the documentation of war crimes.
Did Matviichuk serve in a legislative body?
No, but she served on the Advisory Council under the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Ukrainian parliament starting in 2012.
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