In the context of Ukraine’s civil society development, restoring justice is just as important as enhancing democracy, rebuilding efforts, and combating corruption. This week, we will discuss how Ukrainian society envisions its future and the steps it is taking to hold those responsible for war crimes accountable. We will also highlight our Second Cultural Heritage Forum dedicated to preserving Ukraine’s distinct cultural heritage.
Stay tuned and be inspired along with us!
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Achieving justice in the context of war will only be possible if those guilty of aggression and war crimes are punished. According to the results of the survey “Justice in the context of Russian armed aggression,” conducted by the Sociological Group “Rating,” 47% of Ukrainians define justice in the context of war as the punishment for those guilty of war crimes against Ukraine. Among survey respondents, 30% believe that justice will be achieved by establishing the truth about all events. Moreover, 50% of respondents believe that if those responsible for the attack on Ukraine and war crimes are not arrested and brought to trial in the coming years, there will never be justice.
Civil society news
USAID/ENGAGE Will Host Second Forum to Safeguard Ukrainian Cultural Heritage
On May 30-31, we will host the second “Ukrainian Cultural Heritage #ActForHeritage” Forum in Kyiv. The event will serve as a platform bringing together civil society, the government, professional communities, international donors, and institutions. Participants will engage in panel discussions, roundtable talks, and working groups to discuss strategies for preserving cultural heritage. Topics will include European practices and initiatives to combat crimes against culture, analysis of reforms and legislative changes, the role of education, security, and communities in cultural restoration. Forum attendees will also explore the exhibition “Ukraine in Miniature,” showcasing 3D-printed models of prominent cultural and historical sites of Ukraine, including those affected by Russian aggression.
The event will be broadcasted on the event’s Facebook page and the USAID/ENGAGE YouTube channel.
Watch how last year’s forum went in our video:
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USAID/ENGAGE Partners Named in Top “100 People of the Decade” List
On May 17, Vitaliy Shabunin and Daria Kaleniuk from the Anti-Corruption Action Center, Oleksandra Matviichuk from the Center for Civil Liberties and the late Iryna Bekeshkina from the Democratic Initiatives Foundation, were listed among the 100 Ukrainians who, according to New Voice (NV), have shaped the country’s future and have influenced its direction since 2014.
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Razumkov Center Advocates for Increased Global Support for Ukraine Ahead of G7 Summit
From May 13-14, the Razumkov Center participated in the Think7 (T7) Summit in Rome, titled “The G7 and the World: Rebuilding Bridges.” This event gathered top think tanks experts to discuss key global challenges, including Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, geopolitical tensions, trade wars, climate change, and digital transition issues. The Razumkov Center also developed a position paper, “International Support of Ukraine as Prerequisite for Global Food Security,” outlining Ukraine’s priorities and recommendations for G7 countries. The document was selected as one of 23 position papers out of 200 to form the foundation for the G7 Final Communiqué, offering recommendations to G7 countries. This communiqué will be presented to the Italian presidency ahead of the G7 summit
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Center for Civil Liberties to Explore Ukraine’s Human Rights Dimension of European Integration
From May 25-26, the Center for Civil Liberties will host an offline discussion titled “Human Rights Dimension of European Integration.” The event will bring together human rights and civil society organizations from across Ukraine to discuss balancing security and human rights, readiness for EU integration, risks to freedom, the impact of war, and necessary reforms. Prior registration is required.
Opportunities
Career opportunities at ENGAGE!
Qualified specialists interested in ENGAGE job openings are encouraged to review our latest listings:
- Arts and Culture Senior Program Officer: https://bit.ly/3xcy2up
- Researcher: https://bit.ly/3TyJkSg
- Program Officer, Reforms and Advocacy: https://bit.ly/3PioPGS
- Grants and Contracts Officer: https://bit.ly/4adjZCH
What we read
Post-War Future of Ukraine: Opinion Poll on Green Recovery and Environment Aspects
Ukraine realizes the significance of environmental problems caused by Russia’s aggression. A policy brief, “Ukraine of the future: EU accession, post-war reconstruction, environmental challenges, and energy independence through the eyes of average Ukrainians,” by the Resource and Analysis Center “Society and Environment,” explains how Ukrainians define their post-war future. This issue analyzes a public opinion survey of Ukrainian citizens on post-war green recovery, energy, and environmental matters during times of war and EU accession.
