In the fight against corruption, which always poses a serious threat to democracy, civil society plays a crucial role, directing its efforts toward enhancing transparency, accountability, and effective governance. In this newsletter issue, we are pleased to present our latest National Corruption Perception and Experience Poll, gauging perceptions and experiences with corruption among Ukrainian citizens since 2007. Our survey is among those few which looks also to learn from citizens who are internally displaced and temporary protection seekers abroad. Additionally, we will highlight the endeavors of our civil society partners and remind you of the exciting grant and job opportunities. Join us to explore more insights!
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Have Ukrainians’ perception of corruption changed during wartime? According to our recent National Corruption Perception and Experience Poll conducted during the winter of 2023, 89% of Ukrainians view corruption as a serious problem in their country. While Ukrainians recognize the gravity and widespread nature of corruption as a major societal problem, the level of reported intolerance towards giving bribes, gifts, or providing unofficial services to resolve a personal problem has notably increased. In the view of 53% of respondents, such actions can never be justified, compared to 42% in 2021. Fourteen percent of respondents have reported that over the past 12 months, they or their family members have been involved in some form of corruption. Citizens also consider reporting to media (39%) and law enforcement authorities (31%), refusal to pay bribes (32%), and imitating and signing petitions (28%) as the most effective measures in the fight against corruption.
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Civil Society News
Anti-Corruption Action Center Confronts Alleged Illegal Leak of Top Corruption Case Materials
On July 17, the Anti-Corruption Action Center filed a statement to address the illegal disclosure of undercover investigative materials in a bribery case involving the former head of the Supreme Court of Ukraine. The organization emphasized that recent media publications on the case violate established procedures and may hinder the investigation.
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Kharkiv Regional Military Administration Cancels Dubious Tender Following the Kharkiv Anticorruption Center`s Investigation
On July 19, the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration canceled a tender worth 2 million UAH for public relations (PR) support following the Kharkiv Anticorruption Center`s investigation. The CSO also revealed that the administration had already spent over UAH 12 million on various media-related services since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
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New Europe Center and the National Interest Advocacy Network (ANTS) Discuss Ukraine’s Path to NATO Membership
On July 24, the New Europe Center and the National Interest Advocacy Network (ANTS) held a discussion titled “On the Path to NATO Membership: Ukraine as Europe’s Security Guarantor.” Experts analyzed the outcomes of the NATO Summit in Vilnius, explored how Ukraine can translate them into clear and achievable commitments and discussed the consequences of hesitating to take decisive steps towards restoring long-term peace in Europe.
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Ukrainian Antiquity Supports Youth Projects Aimed to Revitalize Youth Spaces in Sumy Region
On July 17, Ukrainian Antiquity announced two winners of the ”Active Position of My Region. Through the Eyes of Children” project in the Sumy region, which will receive USD 3,000 each for the implementation of their projects. Namely, the Svesa team will establish a youth space for film screenings, discussions, book clubs, and events on socially significant topics, while the winner from Trostianets will create a youth mobile space to host educational workshops and various activities for local youth.
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Smart Osvita Launches a Psychological Assistance Platform for Educators
The Resilience.help, launched by Smart Osvita, is a free psychological platform offering a comprehensive range of support for all participants in the educational process. The platform integrates the best global and domestic practices of psychological assistance and provides a centralized hub that features educational and methodological resources, tools, techniques, articles and complete programs for educators and school psychologists.
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Opportunities
Explore Our Opportunities
We are excited to offer a variety of opportunities for job seekers, civil society actors, and service providers:
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Qualified specialists interested in our job openings are encouraged to review the listings – https://bit.ly/3UKgGN7
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Request for applications for civil society initiatives to provide even greater institutional and project support – https://bit.ly/3GUdk4e
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The Ukrainian Youth Forum to Take Place in Kyiv
On August 10-12, the Youth Council under the President of Ukraine, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, will organize the Ukrainian Youth Forum dedicated to International Youth Day. The event aims to bring together representatives from various regions of Ukraine in the youth sector. Register by July 30th to participate.
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Global Teacher Prize Ukraine Collects Stories about Wartime Teachers
The Global Teacher Prize Ukraine collects inspiring stories about educators who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to teaching amidst the adversities of war, contributing to the development of Ukrainian education and acting as agents of change. The collection of stories will remain open until September 1.
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What We Read
Chilling Legislation: Tracking the Impact of “Fake News” Laws on Press Freedom Internationally
The spread of misinformation, disinformation, and mal-information (MDM) online has become one of the most pressing issues of our time. Around the world, people have been inundated with false, misleading, and deceptive information about health, politics, and science. Journalists are on the front lines of these digital battles over truth, working to provide citizens with accurate news and information. Read the material by the Center for International Media Assistance to learn more of the constraints that independent journalism face with governments passing legislation to combat the threats of MDM which both intentionally and inadvertently impinge upon freedom of the press.
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