Ukraine’s path to Euro-integration cannot be imagined without the development of inclusivity and accessibility to all rights and freedoms for every citizen. In this edition, we’ll share how we supported inclusivity and civic engagement at the 2024 ATLAS UNITED festival, which returned after a three-year hiatus. We’ll also highlight how our exhibition “Ukraine in Miniature” will be part of the Ukrainian village in Paris during 2024 Olympic games and discuss how the identity of Ukrainians has changed during wartime.
Join us to stay updated on the latest news from Ukrainian civil society.
USAID/ENGAGE Supported Inclusivity and Civic Engagement at the 2024 ATLAS UNITED Festival
We aimed for everyone at the festival to enjoy Ukrainian culture. Over 2,500 people with disabilities attended the festival for free and enjoyed the music in a specially equipped zone. For those with hearing impairments, sign language interpretation was displayed on a large screen.
Additionally, a dedicated section was set up for civil society organizations, including USAID/ENGAGE partners. This allowed festivalgoers to learn more about opportunities for civic engagement in Ukrainian society.
Civil society news
All-Ukrainian Organization of Music Events (UAME) Highlights Ukraine’s War at International Music Festivals
From July 18 to 21, the UAME team participated in the family festival, DAS FEST in Germany. Over the past two years, the festival raised nearly $34,000 for the charitable initiative Music Saves Ukraine, supported by UAME.
On July 19-20, UAME took part in the Positivus festival in Riga, Latvia, showcasing performances by contemporary Ukrainian artists OTOY and Love’n’Joy.
From July 26 to 28, UAME will participate in the ARTmania festival in Sibiu, Romania. UAME will conduct a series of educational and fundraising activities there, providing attendees with insights into Ukraine’s war.
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Our Exhibition “Ukraine in Miniature” Continues its Tour in France
On July 25, we will present the exhibition at the Foundation Victor Lyon, 29 Bd Jourdan, Paris. Through this exhibition, we aim to introduce European audiences to Ukraine’s cultural heritage, which remains under constant threat from Russia.
On July 27, the exhibition opens in the Ukrainian section of the Olympic Village, expecting international athletes, media, fans, and the Ukrainian diaspora. The address is Parc de la Villette, 211 Av. Jean Jaures.
The exhibition will run until August 2. Admission is free with prior registration.
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Center for Civil Liberties Hosts an International Conference to Hold Russia Accountable for its Crimes
From July 15 to 19, the Center for Civil Liberties hosted the “Ukrainian Week of International Criminal Justice.” This series of events brought together lawyers, international law experts, representatives of civil society organizations, and government institutions. This year’s focus was on holding Russia accountable for its international crimes committed over the years in Chechnya, Moldova, Georgia, Mali, Syria, Libya, and other countries worldwide.
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Razumkov Centre Analyzes Ukrainians’ Opinions on Their Identity
On July 24, Razumkov Centre will present the study “Identity of Ukrainian Citizens: Changing Trends.” The main conclusions reveal that a significant majority of Ukrainians express pride in their citizenship and national symbols: 91% of respondents indicated they are “very proud” or “rather proud” to be citizens of Ukraine. Additionally, among Ukrainians, the European Union is widely perceived as a symbol of progress and development (77%), whereas Russia is predominantly seen as a symbol of regression (78%).
What we read
A Resilient Picture: Experiences of Persons with Disabilities in Ukraine
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, Ukraine has faced an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. Under these circumstances, it is crucial to support all vulnerable groups of citizens, including those with disabilities.
What barriers do persons with disabilities face regarding accessibility standards (resources, services, information) during Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine?
Read the research by The Centre for Sustainable Peace and Democratic Development.