Sphere NGO in Kharkiv is one of the oldest LGBTI and women’s rights NGOs in Ukraine. But as groups targeting LGBTI people have proliferated across the country, Sphere has endured dozens of discriminatory attacks. These include physical attacks, destruction of their property and homophobic chants hurled at supporters. I urge you to ensure that the attacks on Sphere – including the hate motive – are investigated, and those responsible are held to account in fair trials. Ukraine must build on its recent progress on LGBTI rights and end impunity for hate crimes.

Yours sincerely