The Stratbase Institute, in partnership with the Embassy of Ukraine in the Philippines, convened a roundtable discussion at the Stratbase office in Ayala Avenue, Makati City, featuring Truth Hounds, a 2023 Sakharov Freedom Award recipient and internationally recognized human rights organization. 

Founded in 2014, Truth Hounds has been at the forefront of documenting and investigating war crimes and other serious human rights violations across Ukraine, Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia, contributing critical evidence to international accountability efforts. 

In his welcome remarks, Stratbase Institute President and CEO Prof. Dindo Manhit underscored that transparency serves as the first line of defense against aggression and coercion in today’s complex geopolitical landscape. He emphasized that accountability sustains a rules-based international order, particularly for countries like Ukraine and the Philippines, and highlighted the importance of a whole-of-society approach in defending truth through collective action among government, the private sector, civil society, the international community, and the media. 

Ambassador Yuliia Fediv of Ukraine highlighted the shared challenges faced by Ukraine and the Philippines, emphasizing the importance of sustained dialogue, cooperation, and mutual learning between nations committed to upholding sovereignty and democratic values. 

The discussion also featured insights from Truth Hounds’ Co-Executive Directors, Dr. Dymtro Koval and Atty. Oksana Pokalchuk, who shared their organization’s work on the ground as well as the legal, operational, and security challenges they continue to navigate. 

We thank our partners from the diplomatic community, academe, civil society, and the media for their valuable contributions to this important exchange. Stratbase Institute remains committed to upholding the principles of rule of law, transparency, and accountability in addressing today’s evolving global security challenges.