USAID/ENGAGE

Ukrainian Civil Society News, September 28

It’s never too late to think about reconstruction. Although the war is still raging, the state and the civil society are already thinking about ways and areas to attract investment and for post-war rebuilding. What is the key to a successful partnership? Ukrainian CSOs are here to answer: honesty is the best policy. Transparency, too. Inclusion – as well.
In this issue of our newsletter, we look at recent news from the Ukrainian civil society that struggles to ensure transparent post-war reconstruction and a bunch of opportunities offered to Ukrainian activists. Get engaged in our weekly digest!

****

Volunteering is often the first experience of civic engagement for young people. But for Ukrainians, the rise of volunteering occurred with the beginning of Russia`s full-scale invasion. According to IREX`s “Youth volunteering in Ukraine” poll, 50% of youth joined volunteering for the first time since February 24, 2022. Another 67% note that they do it regularly. Respondents say that they are motivated by the general values of Ukrainian society today: patriotism, a desire to contribute to victory, a sense of unity, and the opportunity to become a part of a common cause. The main barriers are lack of time, family reasons, fear of the new, and fear of responsibility. 

****

Transparency International Ukraine Launches a Project to Ensure Inclusive, Transparent, and Accountable Reconstruction of Ukraine

Transparency International Ukraine has been helping the state become stronger and more capable for many years. To ensure fair and transparent processes and counter corruption during the reconstruction of Ukraine, CSO combined efforts with the Support to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions (SACCI) Program and launched the joint project “TI Ukraine for Inclusive, Transparent, and Accountable Reconstruction.” You can already check the first study developed within the project.

Read more

****

CSOs Launch a Project to Support Authorities in Rebuilding Ukraine After War

The project consists of six Ukrainian think tanks that joined the Consortium to provide the government with the expertise and communication support in addressing current policy challenges in line with European best practices of good governance. The project aims to increase the capacity of decision-makers and to maintain, adapt and develop policies for further advancing democracy, the rule of law, and sustainable economic development.

Read more

****

The Tribunal for Putin Initiative Urges Not to Allow Russia to Avoid Responsibility for Committing Crimes at the Occupied Territories

The Tribunal for Putin initiative (T4P) issued a statement calling on Russia to ensure proper implementation of international law in the occupied territories and not to speculate on artificial states of the Luhansk People’s Republic and Donetsk People’s Republic to avoid responsibility. Activists urge international organizations to demand from the Russian Federation compliance with the requirements of international law in all occupied territories and to ensure independent investigation of international crimes committed there.

Read more

****

New Europe Center Analyzes How the 2022 Elections in the USA Will Affect Ukraine

Check the material prepared by the head of the New Europe Center and published on European Pravda to learn how the upcoming elections in the US may influence Ukraine. The author argues that regardless of the election’s outcome, the best way to retain US support is to create a lasting impression that Ukraine is winning the war. It is also emphasized that it is essential to convince Congress that Ukraine is changing and to destroy the image of “one of the most corrupt countries in the world.” Click the button below for more insights!

Read more

****

CHESNO Warns Against Legal Recognition of Collaboration with the Enemy

The CHESNO Movement released the article “Who Wants to Recognize Legal Personality of Fake Governments in the Occupied Territories?” to analyze draft laws that regulate contacts and interaction of the Ukrainian authorities with the occupiers and their executive agencies. The experts warn that the documents contradict the provisions of international humanitarian law, as well as Ukrainian legal acts on collaboration, and call on the Parliament not to support the drafts in their current form and harmonize them with Ukrainian legislation.

Read more

****

Conference “From Resilience to Recovery: The Critical Role for Ukrainian Civil Society” to be Held in Kyiv and Lviv

On September 29-30, Kyiv and Lviv will host the conference “From Resilience to Recovery: the Critical Role for Ukrainian Civil Society.” The conference will unite civil society, experts, volunteers, authorities, and international organizations to discuss the role of civil society in the reconstruction of Ukraine. The event will be broadcast online. The conference program is available on the website.

Read more

****

Activists to Discuss the Consequences and Prospects of Reducing Environmental Impact of War

Russia’s military aggression is causing extreme damage to the environment, resulting in long-term consequences that require systemic solutions. Join the online discussion on October 7, during which the invited experts will discuss the consequences and prospects for overcoming the environmental impact of war. Push the button below to learn more and register.

Read more

****

UNITY Program Collects Stories of Young People Who are Acting for the Future of Ukraine

Are you doing something useful for Ukraine to bring victory in the war closer? What if more people will learn about your project, and you will inspire others? The UNITY program collects stories of young people who are not afraid to act for a better future of Ukraine. Share it, and it will be published on the platform www.diemo.in.ua, which is an educational resource about civic activism. Don’t hesitate to apply! Perhaps it is your story that will push other activists to implement their initiatives.

Read more

****

 

USAID “RADA Next Generation” Announces a Competition for Young Researchers

The USAID “RADA Next Generation” program announces a competition for young researchers for the scientific conference “Parliament in conditions of war”. Graduates of higher educational institutions, postgraduate students, scientists who work or study in universities and research institutions and research parliamentary systems are invited to participate. The application deadline is October 17.

Read more

****