Civil society news, April 10

Ukraine has made remarkable strides in advancing victory since the onset of the full-scale invasion. In this edition of our newsletter, we delve into the evolving perceptions of victory among Ukrainians. We shine a spotlight on the unwavering international solidarity with Ukraine during the ongoing war, underscore the significance of global advocacy efforts, and showcase exemplary instances of resilience. Join us as we delve into how our partners contribute to this victory and discover more about the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people.   

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Over the past two years of resisting the full-scale invasion, Ukrainians are less hopeful for a swift end to the war. According to a new survey by the Razumkov Center conducted in March 2023, the number of Ukrainians expecting Ukraine’s victory within 3-5 years has risen to 17%. Correspondingly, the number of citizens anticipating the war’s end within 1-2 years has decreased from 40% to 35%. The overall optimism regarding Ukraine’s victory in the war has also reduced from 62% to 59%.

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Civil society news

USAID/ENGAGE Partners Participate in Ukraine-France Forum in Paris

On April 4th, USAID/ENGAGE partners, New Europe Center (NEC) and the International Center for Ukrainian Victory (ICUV), participated in the 3rd Ukraine-France Forum, organized by NEC, discussing military, political, and economic challenges for Ukraine and Europe. At the forum, NEC and ICUV actively advocated for the confiscation of Russian assets, the enhancement of Ukraine’s missile capabilities, and the formation of a coalition to support Ukraine. The CSOs also held meetings with French politicians and organized a rally in Paris, calling for increased support for Ukraine and the confiscation of Russian assets. 

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Center for Civil Rights Leader Visits USA to Advocate for International Support for Ukraine 

Last week, the leader of the Center for Civil Liberties, Oleksandra Matviychuk, participated in a series of public events in the USA, advocating for human rights in Ukraine, “Tribunal for Putin” initiative, and providing the weapons to Ukraine. On April 4th, she spoke at Indiana University, where she also received the Global Voices for Change leadership award. Additionally, Oleksandra Matviychuk spoke at the International House at the University of Chicago and in Los Angeles. 

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International Center for Ukrainian Victory Advocates for Ukraine’s Security in European Capitals 

From April 7-13, the International Center for Ukrainian Victory (ICUV) is conducting advocacy visits to Europe. In Rome from April 7th to 10th, the team met with various government officials, and from April 10th to 13th in Oslo, they will participate in the conference “Ukraine: Year 11. Challenges and Solutions,” advocating for the confiscation of Russian assets and security guarantees for Ukraine.

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Bohdan Havrylyshyn Family Foundation Launches Media Project to Promote Responsible Partnerships with CSOs 

On April 1st, the Bohdan Hawrylyshyn Family Foundation, along with the ZMIN Foundation and The Ukrainians, launched a media project on social responsibility. The inaugural feature highlights the NGO “Plato” and their project, “Rozsadnyk”, an urban garden developed in Lviv with the support of USAID/ENGAGE .The project aims to emphasize the importance of partnerships and cross-sector collaboration among NGOs during the war. 

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Center for Civil Liberties Premieres Film on the Ordeal of Ukrainian Teacher Detained in Russia

On April 10, the Center for Civil Liberties showcased their documentary film “Victoria’s Voice: Diary of a Kidnapped Teacher” in Prague. The film narrates the story of Victoria Andrusha, a math and computer science teacher from the Chernihiv region, who spent nine months in captivity at Kursk pre-trial detention center. The film also sheds light on the broader issue of captives and the impact of public advocacy on their release.

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Opportunities

Career opportunities at ENGAGE!  

Opportunities at Pact: 

  • Grant competition in the field of improving access and services for the prevention, screening, diagnostics, and treatment of chronic noncommunicable diseases:  https://bit.ly/49lE8FW 

Our partners’ recent job openings:    

Grant opportunities: 

  • Grants under the “Promoting Integrity in the Public Sector” (Pro Integrity) project, supported by USAID and FCDO and implemented by DAI:  https://bit.ly/3JdB3xe

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What we read

Insights into European Commission Assessment Reports on Ukraine:  A Comparative Analysis by Euroscope  

In February 2019, Ukraine voiced its aspirations to join the EU, and by early 2022, it formally submitted its membership application. Despite facing challenges such as Russia’s annexation of Crimea and invasion of Donbas, Ukraine achieved candidate status with recommendations in June 2022, marking the beginning of its journey towards EU integration. Civil society organizations and experts played pivotal roles in facilitating negotiations while the government diligently worked on implementing the Commission’s recommendations.  

Read Euroscope’s comparative analysis of the Ukrainian progress outlined in the reports from February and November 2023.

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