Turning Field Experience into Systemic Change: East SOS Joins the Ministry of Social Policy Working Group Meeting on Support for War-Affected Civilians
Who qualifies as a person affected by the armed aggression against Ukraine? At present, Ukrainian legislation does not provide a single, clear definition of this category. In practice, assistance programs remain fragmented, and people are often uncertain about the rights and social guarantees available to them.
To address this issue, the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine held the inaugural meeting of a dedicated working group that will be shaping a comprehensive and effective system of support for civilians. East SOS joined the initiative as one of its expert participants.
Why is East SOS taking part in this work, and why does it matter for lawmaking?
Our expertise is more than statistics – it is grounded in the real stories of people. For our team, participation in this working group is an opportunity to translate twelve years of practical experience into effective legal mechanisms. Since 2014, we have worked directly with people at the epicenter of the war, providing comprehensive support to those affected. Our work includes evacuating civilians, restoring damaged homes, expanding and improving the quality of social services locally, providing legal and psychosocial assistance, supporting educators, and helping children and young people from the temporarily occupied territories exercise their right to education, among many other initiatives.
Our day-to-day work gives us a deep understanding of each person’s story and needs, allowing us to identify systemic gaps as they emerge. This practical experience enables us to turn challenges into constructive and well-founded legislative solutions.
The recommendations developed by the working group will serve as the basis for improving Ukraine’s regulatory framework governing support for affected civilians. At East SOS, we believe that state support for them must be systemic, transparent, and effective. We remain committed to ensuring that the voices of everyone affected by the war are reflected in national legislation.
Advocacy activities are carried out as part of the project “Protection and Psychosocial Services for Persons with Limited Mobility and Persons with Disabilities Affected by the War” (SIDA).
Recently, East SOS lawyer Valeriia Dolhoier spoke about protecting human rights during evacuation and subsequent accommodation.
