Urgent Action: Protect women’s day rally in Uzhgorod
Vitalina Koval, a defender of LGBTI and women’s rights, is organising a rally on International Women’s Day, in the western Ukrainian city of Uzhgorod. Previous 8 March events in 2017 and 2018 were targeted by far-right groups and the authorities failed to protect participants. In 2018, Vitalina Koval and other demonstrators were attacked, paint was thrown at them and Vitalina sustained chemical burns to her eyes. A year on, the investigation is still ongoing and there are concerns that far-right groups might target the event again.
Take action.
PLEASE SEND APPEALS BEFORE 8 MARCH 2019
Please write urgently in your own words or using the template letter included in English or Russian to:
Head of National Police in Zakarpattya Region
Roman Ihorevych Stefanyshyn
Ukraine
Email: zvernennja@zk.npu.gov.ua
zaput@zk.npu.gov.ua
gunp@zk.npu.gov.ua
Twitter: @zakarpatczg
Salutation: Dear Colonel
Also send copies to diplomatic representatives accredited to your country.
HER EXCELLENCY Ms Natalia Galibarenko Embassy of Ukraine 60 Holland Park W11 3SJ 020 7727 6312 Fax 020 7792 1708 emb_gb@mfa.gov.ua www.ukremb.org.uk
Please check with your section before sending appeals after the above date.