For over two years now, Ukraine has stood firm against Russia’s full-scale invasion. Amid evolving challenges, civil society remains committed to advancing democracy, combating corruption, and advocating for security on the international stage. In this issue, we explore how the war has affected Ukraine’s democratic development. Discover the hurdles activists face, efforts to engage youth in reconstruction efforts, and various initiatives from our partners. Join us and stay informed on the latest updates from Ukraine’s civil society!
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According to the findings of the “Nations in Transit 2024” study by the human rights organization Freedom House, Ukraine has increased its democracy score to 3.43 out of seven despite the full-scale war. For example, in 2022 and 2023, this score remained at 3.36 out of seven.
Against the backdrop of a 20-year decline in democracy levels in the region stretching from Central Europe to Central Asia, Ukraine has entered the top five “Transitional” countries that have increased their level in the last year.
According to researchers, the rising level of democracy in Ukraine can be attributed to progress made by the government in building judicial and anti-corruption institutions and actively investigating bribery, including within the military sector.
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Civil society news
CSOs Raise Alarm Over Pressure on Activists and Investigative Journalists
On April 12, civil society organizations released a statement regarding pressure on activists. The statement is in to response to searches conducted by the Security Service of Ukraine and the State Bureau of Investigations at the head of the board of the Kharkiv Anti-Corruption Center, a partner of the USAID/ENGAGE program. Based on information from the SSU, an investigation into an alleged law violation during military service enlistment was initiated against Dmytro Bulakh. Similar incidents also occurred with other leaders of organizations partnering with the USAID/ENGAGE Program. Activists called on the President to publicly condemn the pressure on journalists and civic activists, as it undermines Ukraine’s reputation and reinforces Russian propaganda.
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The Public Diplomacy Platform Engages Youth in Ukraine’s Recovery Efforts
On April 12-13, the Reconnect forum took place in Kyiv, organized by the Public Diplomacy Platform with the support from USAID/ENGAGE. The event gathered young activists mainly from the frontline territories to involve youth in Ukraine’s recovery processes. Discussions also focused on the use of digital technologies for community development.
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International Center for Ukrainian Victory Advocates for Ukraine’s Security at European Conferences
The International Center for Ukrainian Victory (ICUV) continues its advocacy tour in European capitals to support enhanced security guarantees for Ukraine.
From April 14 to 19, the center’s representatives will visit Sofia to participate in the Black Sea Security Conference, addressing existing challenges and promoting sustainable development for states in the region.
From April 18 to 19, the ICUV team will attend the GMF International Forum in Brussels, where global leaders, policymakers, and experts will discuss current global challenges.
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USAID/ENGAGE Partner Resumes Crowdfunding Platform to Expose Corrupt Officials
On April 9, Anti-Corruption Action Center (AntAC) resumed the “Whack the Ratings” project, an online anti-corruption crowdfunding platform, which will highlight cases of bribery among political parties and members of Verkhovna Rada. From 2018 to 2021, the AntAC raised over 1.2 million hryvnas, allowing the organization to conduct 365 online campaigns with a total reach of almost 17 million Facebook users.
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Opportunities
Qualified specialists interested in ENGAGE job openings are encouraged to review our latest listings:
- Program assistant: https://bit.ly/3xxYpuI
- Arts and Culture Senior Program Officer: https://bit.ly/3xcy2up
- Researcher: https://bit.ly/3TyJkSg
- Receptionist/Administrative Assistant: https://bit.ly/3vb7N6O
- HR Officer: https://bit.ly/3Pi956R
- Procurement Officer: https://bit.ly/3VgW6Gd
- Finance Officer: https://bit.ly/3ThwF4D
- Program Officer, Reforms and Advocacy: https://bit.ly/3PioPGS
- Grants and Contracts Officer: https://bit.ly/4adjZCH
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What we read
Nations in Transit 2024:
A Region Reordered by Autocracy and Democracy
In the annual report “Nations in Transit 2024,“ analysts from Freedom House highlight a trend in declining democracy for the 20th consecutive year in the region stretching from Central Europe to Central Asia. Among the reasons cited by the report’s authors are Russia’s attempts to destroy Ukraine and Azerbaijan’s actions in Nagorno-Karabakh. These and other factors have led to a divide in the region between those committed to a liberal, democratic, rules-based order and those who violently reject it.
Researchers also claim that democratic governments must be ready to invest more substantially in military preparedness and provide Ukraine with the weapons it needs to defeat Russia. Otherwise, the region will continue its negative trend in deteriorating democracy, with the fight against authoritarian expansion becoming more challenging and costly for the entire world.