Hard times are like a magnet – they pull us all together, driving from irrational panic to well-thought behavior. Despite the terror Russia saws across Ukraine, our citizens demonstrate adamant will and nerves of steel. We donate millions for drones while government and the civil society advocate for even greater support. While the Armed Forces protect the land, we cut down on electricity to make sure everyone’s got their share. This spirit should live on, even after the magnet is switched off.
In this issue of our newsletter, we share the efforts of the Ukrainian civil society to advocate for much-needed support from the Western partners, their input in European integration and the opportunities available to grow the activists. Get engaged in our weekly digest!
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What is the attitude of Ukrainians towards paternalism? According to the Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation`s poll, most citizens agree that the state’s interference in people’s lives should be minimal providing people with the same “rules of the game,” while everyone is responsible for using these opportunities. Young people aged 18-29 and 30-39 support this statement the most – 61% in each age group. On the other hand, the categories of the population that are more dependent on state social support programs share the opposite belief and think that the state should provide every person with everything they need – 51% of respondents aged 60+ answered so.
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Center for Civil Liberties Awarded with Nobel Peace Prize
This year, the Center for Civil Liberties (CCL) was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. One of Ukraine’s leading human rights organizations, the CCL was founded in 2007 to promote human rights, democracy and rule of law. After Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Center has engaged in efforts to identify and document Russian war crimes against the Ukrainian civilian population and hold the guilty parties accountable for their crimes.
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Ukraine 5 AM Coalition Urges World Governments to Respond to the Mass Shelling of Ukraine
On October 10, Ukraine faced the most massive attack during the full-scale invasion. Ukrainians need protection – weapons, tougher sanctions, economic and political pressure on Russia and Russians who support the armed aggression of their state. Organizations of the Ukraine 5 AM Coalition call on the world governments to respond to these attacks not only with declarations of intentions but also with decisive actions and comprehensive support of Ukraine in the fight for the preservation of statehood, human lives and democratic values.
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CSOs Advocate for the Provision of NATO Weapons to Ukraine and Recognizing Russia as a Terrorist State at the Warsaw Security Forum
On October 4-5, the Anti-Corruption Action Center and National Interest Advocacy Network (ANTS) hosted a special program at the Warsaw Security Forum titled “Advocating for Ukrainian Victory.” The event was organized within the framework of an international advocacy campaign conducted by the International Center for Ukrainian Victory aimed to secure greater international military and political support for Ukraine. At the Forum, the Сenter pushed for providing NATO weapons to Ukraine and recognizing Russia as a terrorist state.
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Coalition of CSOs Push for Transparent Environmental Oversight
A coalition of CSOs, including Environment-People-Law and National Interest Advocacy Network (ANTS) appealed to the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources to lift limitations for environmental information related to martial law. CSOs point out that the state should make the respective documentation issued prior to February 24, 2022, accessible to citizens and suggest measures to improve the situation with environmental oversight including amendments to law.
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New Europe Center Analyzes How to Reinforce Ukraine`s EU Accession Process
How to Prevent Ukraine’s EU Accession Process from Slipping into the Western Balkan Trap? The Stockholm Center for Eastern European Studies published a policy analysis on the possible scenarios for Ukraine’s EU accession prepared by the director of the New Europe Center. The article explores the current reform progress of the implementation of EU recommendations and offers policy recommendations for the future Presidency of Sweden in the EU.
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Ukrainian Leadership Academy is Launching an Online Race to Mark the Anniversary of Mariupol
244-kilometers run for Mariupol with the letter “Ї”! Alumni of the Ukrainian Leadership Academy are launching an online race to celebrate the city’s 244th anniversary. Activists invite young people to run any distance on any route on October 14, take a photo with the letter “Ї,” which has become a symbol of national resistance, and donate to the Armed Forces. To become a participant, please register by October 13, 23:59. Check for more details by the link below.
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We are Hiring: HR Coordinator and Grants and Contracts Officer for USAID/ENGAGE
More opportunities! Pact Inc. seeks candidates to fill the position of HR Coordinator and Grants and Contracts Officer for the USAID/ENGAGE Activity. The application deadlines are October 20 and 21, 2022, respectively. Please send your CV and motivation letter to engagehr@pactworld.org.
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ISAR Ednannia Announces a Grant Competition for CSOs and Media that Combat Propaganda and Disinformation
ISAR Ednannia invites civil society organizations to participate in the grant competition “Support to CSOs/media to strengthen them in countering propaganda and disinformation.” Through this grant, ISAR Ednannia aims to increase the capacity of CSOs and the media to counter disinformation and propaganda and to stimulate the production and availability of informative messages and analytics to raise awareness among citizens with limited access to objective information. The application deadline is October 20, 2022.
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IREX Announces Grant Competition Within the Framework of the “Ukrainian Rapid Response Fund” Program
IREX announces a grant competition within the framework of the “Ukrainian Rapid Response Fund” Program, created as a response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. With the help of this competition, grantees will receive funding to implement projects that help citizens and institutions of Ukraine build resilience now and after the end of hostilities. All proposed projects must meet the main objective of the Program – to increase the stability of Ukraine or meet the urgent needs that arose as a result of the Russian invasion. The application deadline is October 31, 2022.
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