Yesterday marked the tenth anniversary of the Revolution of Dignity in Ukraine. This pivotal day saw the Ukrainian people unite to express their commitment to democratic European values, defending their rights and freedoms. Inspired by the spirit of the Revolution of Dignity, Ukrainian defenders continue their valiant struggle, while civil society remains steadfast in its pursuit to support the nation’s aspirations for European Union and NATO membership, democracy, and the rule of law.
In this newsletter edition, we explore the evolving attitudes of Ukrainians towards politics and their eagerness to enhance knowledge for better exercise of constitutional rights and freedoms. We also provide updates from our civil society partners aimed at supporting Ukrainian citizens and upholding European values, along with our grant, job, and procurement opportunities. Dive in and discover more!
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The Razumkov Center’s survey reveals significant trends, examining shifts in Ukrainians’ political engagement and perspectives. Notably, political interest has risen, with 62% expressing interest in 2023 compared to 55% in 2019. The survey also highlights an increased belief among citizens that a minimum knowledge of the political system is essential for exercising constitutional rights and freedoms, reaching 82% in 2023 from 79% in 2019. Furthermore, there is a growing willingness among citizens to participate in free political education programs (31 in 2023, up from 19% in 2019) and join civil society organizations for collective rights protection (44% in 2023, up from 30% in 2019).
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Civil Society News
CSOs Wellcome Adoption of Bills Enhancing Anti-Corruption Bodies, Aligned with European Commission’s Recommendations
On November 21, the Verkhovna Rada voted in the first reading for three bills recommended by the European Commission to initiate the EU accession negotiations. Notably, the members of parliament supported expanding the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) staff from 700 to 1000 employees, granting the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP) the authority to audit assets and property acquired before the obligation to submit declarations and enhancing the independence of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO). Transparency International Ukraine commends approval of these initiatives, as they align with the European Commission’s recommendations preceding Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations.
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Democratic Initiatives Foundation Presents Survey on Socio-Economic Issues in Chernihiv and Sumy Regions
On November 16, Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation (DIF) presented the opinion poll on socio-economic and socio-political issues in Chernihiv and Sumy oblasts. The survey, conducted by DIF in collaboration with the Razumkov Center in September 2023, included 511 respondents from these regions. The survey analyzed primary citizen concerns, recent challenges, perceived national security issues, assessment of the authorities’ work, and more.
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Crimean Institute for Strategic Studies Increases Awareness of Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Protection
On November 17, Elmira Ablyalimova, a project manager of the Crimean Institute for Strategic Studies, participated in a symposium titled “Ukrainian Museums at War: Conceptual, Historical, and Legal Perspectives,” organized by the Center for Baltic and East European Studies (CBEES). Ms. Ablyalimova presented research focusing on the state of museums in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, highlighting specific examples of Bakhchysarai Khan Palace (Crimea), the Mohyla Lisovska (Zaporizhzhia region) and the ancient settlement of Akra (Crimea). She addressed the cultural heritage of the Crimean Tatars and efforts by the Ukrainian community to document and advocate for justice regarding the destruction and alienation of heritage amid the ongoing war.
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Smart Osvita Bridges Educational Gaps for Children Affected by War
The “Learn by Ears” project by Smart Osvita provides free audio lessons covering Ukrainian language, literature, history, and civic education for students in grades 7-11. Designed to assist children recovering from educational disruptions caused by the war, it is particularly beneficial for those studying in foreign schools with limited access to Ukrainian subjects. The project plans to create a total of 315 lessons, 224 of which are already available on the website.
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Opportunities
More Opportunities! We Introduce an Updated Request for Applications
We are pleased to introduce our updated and enhanced Request for Applications for civil society initiatives. It provides expanded institutional and project support, contributing to increased citizen participation in democratic processes, strengthening confidence in civil society, and advancing Ukraine’s drive towards victory. We encourage you to review its terms and conditions, submit your applications, and join us in empowering civil society in Ukraine!
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Check Our Website for More Opportunities for Vendors and Job Seekers
We invite qualified vendors to visit our website’s procurement section to access the latest consultant requests for USAID/ENGAGE – https://bit.ly/3u391QK
Qualified specialists interested in our job openings are encouraged to review the listings – https://bit.ly/3UKgGN7
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What We Watch
The Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things in Ukraine
How do we defend people’s freedom and dignity against authoritarianism when the “law of war” doesn’t seem to apply anymore? In the face of Russia’s occupation of Ukraine, a human rights lawyer, Nobel laureate, and Head of the USAID/ENGAGE partner, Center for Civil Liberties, Oleksandra Matviichuk, considers this question every day. Watch the talk, presented at an official TED conference, where she exposes the failures of the international peace and security system, highlights the capabilities of ordinary people during extraordinary times, and urges us all to take an active position in the struggle for freedom.
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