Active engagement of Ukrainian civil society is a crucial factor in Ukraine’s victory in the war against Russia. СSOs, through their activities, contribute significantly to decisions critical for Ukraine and its future.
In this edition, we will discuss how Ukrainian civil society advocated for the G7 decision regarding confiscated Russian assets. We will also tell about our updated grant competition for civil society and share details about our upcoming exhibition, “Ukraine in Miniature,” which embarks on its European summer tour this month.
Stay tuned with us and don’t miss out on the latest updates!
On June 13, G7 leaders agreed to allocate $50 billion to Ukraine from the proceeds of frozen Russian assets, which were blocked following Russia’s full-scale invasion. The decision to unfreeze these assets was heavily influenced through diplomatic efforts and with the active participation of civil society. Ukrainian activists organized hundreds of advocacy events calling for the transfer of frozen Russian assets to Ukraine. Among the most significant initiatives was the #MakeRussiaPay campaign, an comprehensive movement initiated by the International Center for Ukrainian Victory along with partnered CSOs, which included events across dozens of European and American cities.
Civil society news
USAID/ENGAGE Launches its European Exhibition Tour to Highlight Cultural Heritage in Ukraine
On June 23, we will launch a European tour of our travelling exhibition, “Ukraine in Miniature.” The exhibition features 29 miniature 3D models showcasing Ukrainian cultural heritage sites, including those destroyed due to Russia’s aggression. Guests of the exhibition will also enjoy a VR tour, videos, and musical compositions by Ukrainian composers. The exhibition will travel across Finland, Latvia, France, Hungary, and Germany throughout the summer.
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Leader of Center for Civil Liberties Receives the Award for Her Contribution to the World Peace
On June 13, Oleksandra Matviichuk, leader of the Center for Civil Liberties, received the Pahl Peace Prize 2024. This award is given to outstanding individuals who significantly contribute to world peace. Matviichuk was recognized for her commitment against injustice and for documenting war crimes.
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International Center for Ukrainian Victory Promotes Ukraine Internationally
From June 14 to 18, the International Center for Ukrainian Victory (ICUV) visited Helsinki to develop partnerships with the Nordic Ukraine Forum, Swedish CSO. This organization is dedicated to bridging civil society between Sweden and Ukraine.
The ICUV team also advocated for Ukraine’s victory, its reconstruction, and energy security.
Opportunities
USAID/ENGAGE Updated Grant Competition for Civil Society Actors!
We are excited to announce that the request for applications for civil society initiatives, launched by USAID/ENGAGE, has been updated! We have optimized it for initiatives addressing urgent needs of Ukrainians.
In the framework of this competition, it is anticipated that new awards will stress the following priorities:
- Improve national democratic governance.
- Improve the rule of law.
- Promote effective government accountability and public oversight.
- Improve the electoral processes.
- Advance social inclusion in government accountability and transparency.
What we read?
Confiscation of Russian Sovereign Assets: Perspectives of Adjudication in the International Courts
After key Western partners of Ukraine made an announcement regarding the confiscation of frozen assets belonging to the Russian Central Bank (RCB), Russian authorities initiated preparations to challenge these decisions in various national and international courts.
The International Center for Ukrainian Victory conducted an analysis of Russia’s prospects for overruling these decisions in European and international courts and tribunals.
