“We must fight for those who are still in captivity” — the story of Liudmyla Huseinova

Photo: UN Women

Liudmyla Huseinova is the head of the NGO “Numo, Sestry!”, a human rights defender, and a former detainee. She spent more than three years in Russian captivity, and in 2021, while still imprisoned, she received the National Human Rights Award for her contribution to human rights protection. 

We spoke with Liudmyla about the organization that brings together women who survived captivity, experienced violence due to the war, or remain in occupied territories. Liudmyla also spoke about key areas of their work: rehabilitation programmes, training of paralegals and case managers, advocacy for the release of women from captivity, and the implementation of interim reparations. 

This material was prepared as part of the “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence” campaign. 

On the creation of the organization “Numo, Sestry!” 

Our organization is young — officially registered on 6 December 2024. But the idea emerged much earlier. It is an association of women who survived captivity, fled temporarily occupied territories, or experienced violence because of the war. 

Most importantly, we also unite those who are still in captivity, those who remain in the occupied territories. This is fundamental for us. 

On areas of work 

We work on educational and rehabilitation programmes and advocate for the release of women held in captivity. I want to highlight the role of UN Women Ukraine in creating pilot rehabilitation programmes. Unfortunately, they are still pilots, but they already provide real assistance to survivors of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV). 

Many of our members have already completed these programmes, and their feedback is the best evidence of their impact. 

Foir instance, together with JurFem, we implemented paralegal training. These women now consult others: they explain what CRSV is, what state and non-state support programmes exist, how to document crimes, and where to seek help. 

Another important initiative is the training of case managers. These are women who themselves survived torture and violence and therefore have empathy for the survivors and trust. But it is important that their work is sustained — that they can work officially and receive stable pay, because heir experience is invaluable. 

On the urgent interim reparations 

I participated in the development of the law and the pilot project on urgent interim reparations. I knew who needed help and how to provide it properly — without humiliating a person or devaluing their experience. I am grateful to everyone involved in creating the law, including international partners and UN Women in Ukraine. Thanks to them, support and rehabilitation programmes for CRSV survivors are already functioning. I see how women change after participating in these programmes — both physically and mentally. They regain the desire to live and to help others. 

Unfortunately, these programmes have limited funding. Some people want to undergo rehabilitation again, but there are not enough funds. Access to such programs cannot be a matter of money and funding for such programmes must not run out. 

On the role of the state 

Currently, these programmes are funded by international organizations. We hope that after the full adoption of the law on the status of CRSV survivors, the state will also join. Ideally, an annual national rehabilitation programme should be created so that everyone who needs support can access it. The pilot programme provided reparations equivalent to 3,000 euros — enough for basic needs. But international experience shows that people who have survived such crimes have the right to lifelong support. 

A major problem is the absence of family rehabilitation programmes. After captivity, relationships and families often break down. Help is needed not only for the woman herself, but also for their family members.   

Photo: UN Women

On rehabilitation of women after captivity 

Women held in captivity for months without sanitation, hygiene, or medical care suffer severe health consequences. Many lose the ability to have children. Yet there is no state programme for medical examination or treatment for such women. The same applies to men who survived torture — they cannot even get free infertility screening. 

On the number of women in captivity 

There are no exact statistics. Approximately 20,000 civilians are held in Russian captivity — both women and men. Almost every week we learn of new detentions in Donetsk, Mariupol, Luhansk… We know what is happening because we lived through it ourselves. If we are here, free, we must fight for those who are still there. 

How women in captivity and their families are supported 

We appeal to all possible institutions — in Ukraine and abroad. We support the families of detainees, especially their children. 

One of the stories is that of Natalka Vlasova, who has been in captivity for six years. Her daughter Yulia last saw her when she was four. She is now eleven, and she is waiting for her Mom. And this child must receive support not only from our organization, but also from the state, international funds, and all of us. 

We volunteered to support the Coordination Center’s rehabilitation programmes for children of fallen or detained military and civilians. I accompanied children on a trip to Azerbaijan. It was an incredible experience — important not only for them, but for us as well. The children knew that I had also been in captivity. They approached me and asked, “Can I hug you?” — but in reality, they wanted to hug their mothers. 

What each of us can do 

The question “What can I do?” is something I hear often. And it’s not just about money. First, we need clear rehabilitation mechanisms — so that when people return, they know where to go and whom to contact. One of our organization’s missions is to create such a step-by-step guide. We refer people to programmes providing psychological, legal, and medical assistance. This is enormous work, and we do it free of charge. 

Thanks to UN Women, we completed two important trainings — for paralegals and case managers. Our women now consult, accompany, and support others — often free of charge. And I ask everyone: support these women. They have knowledge, empathy, and the desire to change others’ lives. 

On financial challenges 

Almost all our members are internally displaced people. Many lost their homes and all belongings. And despite this, they help others. But they also need support — at least some stability and basic living conditions. We want these women to have decent conditions so they can plan their lives, work, and provide quality services to others. 

On women in captivity  

When I hear that negotiations focus only on territories, I want to tell the whole world: these are not negotiations about land — these are negotiations about people. About women and children who are tortured, raped, and forced to take Russian passports. And no one is punished. People in the occupied territories want not just peace. They want justice, freedom, and the right to receive support. 

And today, we must begin creating rehabilitation programmes for them. Because after the de-occupation of the territories, thousands will need help. 

The interview was produced as part of the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Against Women and Girls” campaign. The campaign is implemented by UN Women within UN Interagency Project ‘UNited Action to Empower Survivors of CRSV’, supported by the UN Action Against Sexual Violence in Conflict (UN Action, www.stoprapenow.org) and with the financial support from the European Union, the Government of Sweden  

The views and opinions expressed in the interview are those of the individual participants and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the organizations supporting the campaign.