With the war, the feeling of ownership of their country bourgeoned among Ukrainians. Despite missile strikes and constant threats, many anticipate victory and see their future as inseparable from their homeland. Civil society has much to say in that regard. This week cemented irreversible changes in judicial reform with the appointment of a new High Council of Justice member with a CSO background. Minor that may seem, but this is another brick in the wall of justice and equal opportunities in Ukraine.
In this issue of our newsletter, we take a look at what Ukrainians see important to deal with after the war and wire top news from the civil society sector with a selection of opportunities for civic activists. Get engaged in the traditional digest!
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While Russia continues to wage a brutal war in Ukraine, Ukrainians stay strong and protect their homes and freedom with resilience. What do they think of their future, despite months of trauma? A recent survey conducted by the International Republican Institute shows that confidence in winning the war against Russia remains very strong – 98% of respondents say so. Another 84% believe that today’s generation of young people has a good future in Ukraine. Thinking of the main developments needed for the next ten years, Ukrainians name restoring the territorial integrity of Ukraine (49%), getting rid of corruption (48%), and strengthening the country`s defensive capabilities (35%). Check more conclusions in our chart!
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The Verkhovna Rada Appoints a Civic Activist as a Member of the High Council of Justice
On August 15, the Verkhovna Rada appointed two members of the High Council of Justice. One of them is Roman Maselko, a member of the board of the DEJURE foundation, an Automaidan lawyer, and a former member of the Public Integrity Council. The High Council of Justice is one of the institutions that play a key role in judicial reform, as its task is to approve the composition of the judicial corps and cleanse it of dishonest judges.
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Activists Conduct a Candidate Check of Ukraine’s Implementation of EU Recommendations
Ukraine has been granted EU candidate status one and a half months ago. This status requires the implementation of a number of recommendations for further EU integration. The New Europe Center in partnership with the Anti-Corruption Action Center, the National Interests Advocacy Network ANTS and the DEJURE Foundation carried out a candidate check – the first independent monitoring of Ukraine’s implementation of EU recommendations. Click the button below to read the key findings.
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The Open Data Association Calls on CSOs to Join the Advocacy Campaign to Prevent Limiting Access to Open Data
The Open Data Association calls on representatives of civil society to support the advocacy campaign to prevent the closure of access to open data, which may be imposed by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. Activists are convinced that restricting access to open data deprives Ukraine of tools for anti-corruption oversight of government actions and other democratic gains. Civil society organizations and activists can submit their proposals until August 20, 2022, during the public discussion of this project. You can use the Association`s template or submit your own.
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Activists Urge to Ban Import of Books from Russia to Ukraine
Defending independence, national security, cultural and informational space from Russia`s aggression must unite the entire Ukrainian nation and all state institutions. Activists emphasize that Law 2309-IX on limiting Russian influence on Ukrainian book publishing and book distribution is one of the most effective instruments to fight back against the aggressor state. Therefore, they call on the President of Ukraine to fulfill a direct constitutional duty and immediately sign the law. Read the statement by the link below.
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CSOs Call to Harmonize Draft Law on National Minorities with Ukrainian Legislation
On August 12, Ukrainian CSOs released an open statement calling on the government to align the draft law on national minorities with the Constitution and the Language law. According to civil society experts, the draft Law of Ukraine on National Minorities creates artificial contradictions between different laws that create wide opportunities for abuse. Therefore, activists urge to amend the document and remove the dangerous provisions.
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CASE Ukraine Discusses European Dimension of Decentralization
Decentralization is one of the priority reforms and key elements of Ukraine’s sustainability. At what stage is the decentralization reform now? What has been achieved, and what still needs to be done? CASE Ukraine invited experts in administrative and territorial arrangements to discuss the implementation of the decentralization reform and the main challenges it faces. Push the button to watch the video.
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EdCamp Launches a Program on Socio-Emotional and Ethical Education in Ukraine
This year, the new standard of general secondary education includes the socio-emotional and ethical education components. To help educators better understand its basic concepts, components and structures, EdCamp Ukraine developed a unique model training program. You can download program materials and manuals on the organization’s website using the link below.
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Music Industry Professionals Promote Modern Ukrainian Culture at Sziget Festival in Hungary
On August 10-15, the All-Ukrainian Association of Music Events represented Ukraine at the Sziget festival – one of the largest music and cultural festivals in Europe that is held in Budapest, Hungary. The team set up a Ukrainian scene with performances of popular musicians and a special interactive corner at the NGO zone where the visitors could learn more about the war, see photos and take a virtual reality tour showcasing the consequences of the war.
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Activists Will Hold a Forum Dedicated to the Independence Day of Ukraine
On August 23, the RPR Coalition and the Institute Respublica will hold an online round table “Recovery of Ukraine: why success depends on everyone.” The goal of the event is to create a dialogue between various representatives of Ukrainian society regarding the Recovery Plan, and to inform and involve active citizens in the development of an effective solution for the reconstruction of our country. Register to participate.
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Strengthening Ukraine’s Voice in the EU: Grants for Civil Society
The Prague Civil Society Centre announces an open call for grants to Ukrainian civic organizations and initiatives to support them in building partnerships with other European counterparts. The call provides Ukrainian organizations with an opportunity to establish partnerships in other European countries, strengthens new solidarity networks that popped up in response to the full-blown invasion, and fosters more long-term exchange between Ukrainian organizations and key partners in other European countries. The application deadline is September 16, 2022.
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Grant competition “Creation of Anti-Crisis Hubs for CSOs”
ISAR Ednannia is launching a grant competition to create Anti-Crisis Hubs in several locations in different regions of Ukraine. An Anti-crisis Hub is a co-working space with Internet access and the necessary equipment that CSOs and activists can use for productive work. Hubs will become coordination centers for IDP activists and CSOs and provide co-working opportunities and capacity-building services. The application deadline is August 26, 2022.
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