In Lviv, the 'Empty Chairs' Campaign Honors Detained and Missing Ukrainian Cultural Figures

Human Rights Demonstration 'Empty Chairs' Takes Place in Lviv

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: On November 15, 2026, Lviv’s Rynok Square hosted the annual human rights event known as the 'Empty Chairs' campaign. This initiative pays tribute to Ukrainian journalists, writers, cultural figures, and human rights defenders who have been unlawfully imprisoned, disappeared, or are held captive by Russia. The event was organized by the Georgiy Gongadze Award, the Lviv Media Forum, and INDEX: Institute for Documentation and Interaction. Its timing coincided with the International Day of Imprisoned Writers, observed globally on November 15.

Symbolism and Stories Behind the Missing

As part of the campaign, symbolic installations featuring empty chairs were displayed, each bearing the names of those detained or missing. Special focus was given to the story of Mykola Leonovych, a Ukrainian poet, illustrator, and book designer who has been missing for over three and a half years. Marina Aleksandrovych remarked,

"Mykola is a cultural figure-a poet, illustrator, and book designer, as well as a father to two wonderful daughters. He participated almost every year in the Lviv Publishers' Forum. He left to defend his family, his homeland, and the Ukrainian culture that shaped and inspired him."

According to the Institute of Mass Information, as of November 2, 2026, Russia is holding at least 27 civilian Ukrainian media professionals and one journalist who is a service member. The empty chair symbolizes those who cannot be present due to imprisonment, persecution, disappearance, or death. Aleksandrovych emphasized,

"Mykola has been considered missing for over three and a half years. Many others share his fate, as Russia flagrantly violates the Geneva Conventions and international humanitarian law by withholding information about those in captivity."

Campaigns like 'Empty Chairs' play a critical role in keeping the stories of detainees and missing persons alive in the consciousness of both Ukrainian society and the international community. Aleksandrovych added, "It is crucial that this awareness leads to action. This is our contribution to a collective strength that will help defend the rights of our people."

On May 30, 2026, a 'Place of Hope' monument was installed in Rynok Square, featuring a central chair symbolizing a reserved seat for those expected to return. Surrounding the chair are metal tags engraved with the names of captured and missing Ukrainian defenders. Nearby stands the Tree of Hope, symbolizing faith in the return of the lost and imprisoned. This memorial was designed by the Department of Architecture and Spatial Development of the Lviv City Council at the request of families of captives and missing defenders.

The 'Empty Chairs' campaign is a vital effort to raise public awareness about the plight of Ukraine’s imprisoned and missing, especially amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. It highlights the human tragedies behind the numbers and underscores the urgent need to uphold human rights in contested situations. Initiatives like this also foster international pressure on states violating human rights, emphasizing the necessity of solidarity and support for those left defenseless.

The importance of cultural initiatives in Lviv is further highlighted by the recent interactive exhibit that aims to support Ukrainian museums. This event not only raises funds but also fosters awareness about the rich cultural heritage that continues to inspire resilience amidst ongoing challenges. Such efforts are essential in preserving the legacy of those who have been silenced and ensuring their stories are not forgotten.