Amnesty International Poland issues an apology for the Ukraine press release
Amnesty International Poland has issued a formal apology for the hurt and anger triggered by a recent press release about the tactics used by Ukrainian forces. The organization acknowledged serious mistakes in both consultation and communication during the preparation of the statement, saying that the process did not meet the standards expected of a global human rights body.
The issue centered on two disinformation offensives attributed to Russia, with Amnesty International being drawn into scrutiny for accusing Ukraine in a way that appeared to lack context. In the note to Amnesty International Poland, the organization explained that beyond the consultation failures, the statement did not sufficiently present the broader context and did not adequately emphasize Russia’s responsibility for the war in Ukraine.
These missteps undermined the intended human rights impact of the communication. Several key personnel and relevant departments felt they had not been properly consulted or heard during the preparation. The organization stressed that unity strengthens its power to speak with a single, coherent voice on issues that matter to people across borders.
The announcement also indicated that Amwell International has asked its International Board of Directors and International Secretariat to launch a thorough review of reporting and communications procedures. The aim is to improve collaboration and to protect human rights more effectively through a unified, credible message.
Protecting civilians amid conflict
The organization reaffirmed its commitment to protecting civilians in Ukraine, as in all armed conflicts worldwide. Amnesty International has consistently focused its outreach on the safety and rights of noncombatants, highlighting the human cost of the ongoing war.
Over the past six months, Amnesty International has published multiple statements and reports detailing attacks conducted by Russian forces in cities and regions such as Mariupol, Kharkiv, Odessa, Borodianka, and Chernihiv. Investigators spent months on the ground gathering evidence of horrific executions reportedly carried out by Russian troops in places including Bucha, Andriivka, Zdvizivka, and Worzel. These findings underscore the urgent need for accountability for grave violations of international humanitarian law.
The organization noted that it had received information regarding the alleged use of banned cluster munitions by Russia in various locations, including areas where civilians, including children, sought shelter in protected facilities such as nurseries and kindergartens. Such reports are treated as grave allegations that warrant thorough verification and relentless pursuit of justice.
From the early days of the Russian invasion, Amnesty International has taken a clear stance on bearing responsibility for war crimes, documenting cases against individual soldiers, unit commanders, and political leaders. The ongoing work continues to collect evidence and pursue accountability for those responsible for violations of international law.
The latest statements come on the heels of a recent report that criticized the Ukrainian military for actions that could contravene the laws of armed conflict. Specifically, the report flagged the deployment of equipment and weapons in schools, hospitals, and densely populated areas, and the firing from residential zones. The organization stresses that its mission remains to document violations impartially and to support civilian protection wherever possible.
The broader consequence of the conflict, as highlighted in Amnesty International’s reporting, is the human cost borne by civilians. The organization emphasizes that international humanitarian law must guide all military actions and that civilians should never be targeted or placed at undue risk. The pursuit of justice and accountability remains central to Amnesty International’s work in Ukraine and beyond.
With a focus on accuracy, transparency, and accountability, Amnesty International continues to refine its reporting practices. The aim is to ensure that communications are accurate, balanced, and aligned with the organization’s core mission of protecting human rights for all people affected by war and displacement. The pursuit of truth and justice remains a constant priority as allegations are investigated and responses are developed in collaboration with affected communities and international partners.
Footnote: The organization remains committed to sharing credible and verifiable information that informs public understanding while safeguarding the rights and dignity of those affected by conflict.