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Month: February 2021

16.02.21

Today we present the report ‘Crossing the contact line’ for January 2021, prepared by the NGO ‘Right to Protection’. The report is based on data collected during the monitoring of the situation on EECPs. More statistical data is available on the Eastern Ukraine Checkpoint Monitoring Online Dashboard.

HIGHLIGHTS:    

  • During the month, crossing the contact line remained possible only through two EECPs: Novotroitske in Donetska Oblast and Stanytsia Luhanska in Luhanska Oblast, at a level considerably below the preCOVID period. The number of people crossing the contact line decreased in January compared to December by 43 percent due to the winter holidays: 27,480 and 48,000 respectively.
  • On 5 January, the Cabinet of Ministers adopted changes to Resolution №1236, according to which it is allowed to test persons arriving from NGCA for COVID-19 not only by PCR, but also by using a rapid antigen test. Donetska and Luhanska Regional State Administrations were instructed to ensure the functioning of necessary testing points at EECPs. The rapid test will be free of charge for Ukrainian citizens. The tests were purchased at the expense of the state budget, the Ministry of Health signed an order on the distribution of 1.8 million tests. In case of a negative result, the data is automatically displayed in “Vdoma” app and the person is released from self-isolation. As of the end of January, 156 people took advantage of the opportunity to pass a rapid test for COVID-19 at Novotroitske EECP. Meanwhile, Stanytsia Luhanska EECP was not provided with rapid tests, therefore people crossing the сontact line in the GCA direction at Stanytsia Luhanska EECP had to pay for passing PCR test in two private laboratories located at the EECP.
  • Out of those surveyed for 83 percent cash withdrawal was the main type of service they used at Stanytsia Luhanska EECP.
  • Of those respondents who were concerned about any issues, the majority of them cited possible issues with a permit as the main reason for their concern. This may be caused by the fact that people faced with a complex procedure of document submission as at Novotrotske EECP. Besides, 30 percent of those respondents claimed the lack of physical distance as a reason for their concern.
  • During the month of January, 3,695 vulnerable elderly persons were provided with transport support at Stanytsia Luhanska EECP by the NGO “Proliska” e-vehicle. 

The report is available in English and in Ukrainian. 

  • Report ‘Crossing the contact line’, January 2021
  • Report ‘Crossing the contact line’, January 2021

The report is based on the results of a survey conducted by R2P at the five EECPs to enter the NGCA and administered on a regular basis since June 2017. The survey is a part of the monitoring of violations of rights of conflict-affected populations within the framework of the project ‘Advocacy, Protection, and Legal Assistance to IDPs’ implemented by R2P, with the support of UNHCR. The purpose of the survey is to explore the reasons and concerns of those traveling from the NGCA to the GCA, as well as conditions and risks associated with crossing the line of contact through EECPs. The information collected in the survey helps identify protection needs, gaps, and trends, and provides an evidentiary basis for advocacy efforts. 

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16.02.21

До вашої уваги – моніторинговий звіт «Перетин лінії розмежування через КПВВ» за січень 2021 року, підготовлений БФ «Право на захист» на основі даних, зібраних під час моніторингу ситуації на КПВВ. Більше статистичних даних можна знайти за посиланням.   

ГОЛОВНЕ:    

  • Протягом місяця, перетин лінії розмежування можливо було здійснити лише через два КПВВ: «Новотроїцьке» в Донецькій області та «Станиця Луганська» в Луганській. Це призвело до зменшення кількості перетинів порівняно з періодом до введення карантинних обмежень. Загальна кількість перетинів лінії розмежування знизилася на 43%  у січні проти грудня (27 480 та 48 000 відповідно), що може бути пов’язано з зимовими святами.
  • 5 січня Кабінет Міністрів ухвалив зміни до Постанови № 1236, згідно з якими допускається тестувати осіб, які прибувають з непідконтрольної території на COVID-19, не тільки методом  ПЛР, а й за допомогою експрес-тесту на антиген. Донецькій і Луганській облдержадміністраціям доручено забезпечити функціонування пунктів тестування на КПВВ. Проведення експрестесту є безкоштовним для громадян України. Тести закупили коштом держбюджету, МОЗ підписав наказ про розподіл 1,8 млн тестів. У разі негативного результату дані автоматично відображаються в додатку «Вдома», і людина звільняється від самоізоляції. Станом на кінець січня, 156 осіб скористалися можливістю пройти експрестест на COVID-19 на КПВВ «Новотроїцьке». Тим часом, КПВВ «Станиця Луганська» не було забезпечено експрестестами, тому люди, які перетинають лінію розмежування в напрямку ПУТ на КПВВ «Станиця Луганська», можуть пройти тільки платний ПЛР-тест в двох приватних лабораторіях, розташованих на цьому КПВВ.
  • Згідно з опитуванням, основним видом послуг на КПВВ «Станиця Луганська», яким скористалися 83% людей, було зняття готівки.
  • Більшість тих респондентів, які були стурбовані будь-якими питаннями, в якості основної причини занепокоєння вказала на можливі проблеми з дозволом на перетин лінії розмежування. Це може бути викликано тим, що люди зіткнулися зі складною процедурою подання документів, як на КПВВ «Новотроїцьке». Крім того, 30% респондентів назвали причиною свого занепокоєння відсутність фізичної дистанції.
  • Протягом січня 3 695 вразливих осіб похилого віку отримали допомогу в транспортуванні на КПВВ «Станиця Луганська» електромобілем від НУО «Проліска».

Документ можна завантажити українською та англійською.

Звіт містить інформацію, зібрану БФ «Право на захист» в межах опитування, що регулярно проводиться з червня 2017 року. КПВВ розташовані в Донецькій («Майорське», «Мар’їнка», «Гнутове» та «Новотроїцьке») та Луганській («Станиця Луганська») областях. Опитування є частиною моніторингу порушення прав населення, що постраждало від конфлікту, та проводиться в межах проекту «Адвокація, захист та правова допомога внутрішньо переміщеним особам України», що реалізується БФ «Право на захист» за підтримки Агентства ООН у справах біженців (UNHCR). Таке опитування має на меті з’ясувати причини, умови та ризики, які супроводжують перетин лінії зіткнення через КПВВ. Зібрана під час опитування інформація допоможе визначити потреби, прогалини та тенденції, а також забезпечити доказову базу для діяльності з адвокації.    

Звіт «Перетин лінії розмежування через КПВВ», січень 2021 року

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16.02.21

Electronic public services reform is currently ongoing in Ukraine. «Digitalization» has become especially relevant right now during the COVID-19 pandemic, as it allows people not to stand in long lines just to be provided with governmental services.

Mobility and possibilities of internally displaced persons (IDPs), as well as of residents of Non-Government Controlled Areas of Ukraine are limited due to different factors. For them, the online services are especially useful. 

We offer you to watch a series of thematic videos from the «Legal Advisor for IDPs» with step-by-step instructions on how to access public services in a convenient format, anywhere, anytime with only an Internet-connected device*.

*Videos are in Ukrainian language

How to receive public services online? «Legal Adviser for IDPs» explains! Як отримати державну допомогу онлайн Відеоінструкція від Юридичного порадника для ВПО

Take an advantage of remote access to public services!

Norwegian Refugee Council in Ukraine

E-Governance for Accountability and Participation (EGAP)

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12.02.21

A person who is recognized as a refugee in Ukraine can obtain Ukrainian citizenship. To start the procedure, a refugee needs to submit the following documents:

  • Application for admission to the citizenship of Ukraine (2 copies);
  • Three photographs (35 x 45 mm);

One of the following documents:

  • Document on proficiency in the Ukrainian language or its understanding in an amount sufficient for communication, which is issued in Ukraine by the head of the educational institution or the local authority of Ukraine;
  • Copy of the certificate or an extract from the transcript of the diploma – for a person who has a document on graduation from an educational institution with the study of the Ukrainian language;
  • Document confirming disability – for a person with physical disabilities.

One of the following documents:

  • Declaration of absence of foreign citizenship – for stateless persons;
  • Declaration of refusal of a person who has been granted refugee status in Ukraine or asylum in Ukraine from foreign citizenship – for foreigners;
  • Documents confirming the granting of refugee status in Ukraine, as well as the fact of continuous legal residence on the territory of Ukraine for three years from the date of granting refugee status (certificate from the State Migration Service of Ukraine, copy of refugee certificate, copy of refugee travel document).

Applications for acceptance into Ukrainian citizenship are submitted by the refugee personally to the territorial subdivision of the State Migration Service of Ukraine at the place of registration in Ukraine.

The decision to accept a refugee into Ukrainian citizenship is made by the President of Ukraine.

The total period for consideration of applications of refugees for Ukrainian citizenship should not exceed nine months from the date of their receipt.

For refugees who have acquired Ukrainian citizenship, the territorial divisions of the State Migration Service of Ukraine issue passports of a citizen of Ukraine.

refugee citizen Ukraine passport паспорт біженець громадянство України

More relevant information is available on the
Refugee Helper chatbot page on Facebook

UNHCR Ukraine – Aгентство ООН у справах біженців в Україні

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11.02.21

In the end of 2019, R2P monitors met with Halyna (name changed) in one of the villages in the Donetsk region. All this time her only identifying document was the USSR passport, which is not considered as a legal proof of identity in Ukraine.

Halyna comes from the Crimea. In 2000, she moved to the Donetsk region. In addition to all mentioned, she has problems with the musculoskeletal system, which makes her mobility much more difficult.

According to the Law of Ukraine “On Citizenship”, Halyna is a citizen of Ukraine. Her Soviet passport contained a note of her residence registration in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea as of August 24, 1991. However, she never received a Ukrainian passport. At first there were no passport forms for exchange, and then she just somehow forgot about the need for it.

Halyna even had a Soviet birth certificate, which however was in a poor condition. The presence of the birth certificate original is a prerequisite for applying for a passport of a citizen of Ukraine for the first time. The woman tried to obtain a passport on her own and renew her birth certificate with the State Migration Service, but unfortunately without any success.

The lawyer of the Right to Protection CF received a new birth certificate and prepared all the necessary documents. But then another problem emerged with obtaining a ticket in the migration service electronic queue. There was no room in the queue. Even in midnight it was impossible to get a coupon to visit the State Migration Service of Ukraine to issue a national passport. We had to wait more than a month to get a coupon. Suddenly a new problem arose – a quarantine. All entries in the electronic queue have been canceled.

Later, the lawyer received a new coupon to the SMSU. When Halyna arrived with all the necessary documents and two witnesses, she was denied again. It turned out that the State Migration Service must obtain the approval of the management to issue a passport of a citizen of Ukraine in such a difficult case.

The third attempt to obtain a ticket in the electronic queue took about a month. Given the state of Halyna’s health, as well as remoteness of her residence from the city of Bakhmut where the city department of the SMSU is located this third attempt was a real trial.

Fortunately, in early November 2020, when the woman returned to the migration service being accompanied by R2P lawyer and monitor, her documents were accepted for consideration and an identification procedure was carried out with the participation of two witnesses.

3 талони в електронній черзі, рік випробувань, ціле життя без паспорту. Історія Галини 3 electronic queue coupons, a year of trials, a life without a passport. The story of Halyna

As a result, in January 2021, Halyna finally received her new passport and was able to apply for a pension. It has been more than a year until she finally received a Ukrainian passport.

UNHCR Ukraine – Aгентство ООН у справах біженців в Україні

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10.02.21

Since the introduction of the quarantine, many internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in hromadas have faced the question of whether targeted assistance will continue. As many of it’s recipients are at risk and are not able to apply for it due to quarantine restrictions. 

Fortunately, the state took into account the needs of the citizens in this matter – and regulations have been amended, according to which targeted assistance automatically continues for the period of quarantine and plus 30 days after the end of it. 

During the quarantine legal norm is suspended, according to which an internally displaced person who resides in the temporarily occupied territory (TOT) for more than 60 days loses the right to receive benefits.

Therefore, if the internally displaced person’s circumstances have changed and he / she claims a larger amount of targeted assistance, then after the end of the quarantine such a person can submit documents for recalculation of the amount of benefits from the moment of new circumstances. However, this rule applies in both directions, i.e. if the circumstances changed during the quarantine and the amount of targeted assistance was more than it was appointed, then after the quarantine sum will be recalculated and the recipient will have to return the overpaid funds.

But there are certain downsides to this story.  From the beginning of 2021, the rules for applying for targeted assistance have changed.  Therefore, from January 1, the application together with the necessary documents is accepted only if it is sent by mail or in electronic form through the official website of the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine. 

In addition, the profile resolution states that a person may submit documents to officials of the executive body of the village, settlement, city council of the relevant Amalgamated territorial community (hromada) or to the Administrative Service Center (ASC).

On paper, everything looks okay, but it is unclear how the procedure will actually work. After all, ASCs do not accept such documents, and in order to submit documents to the representatives of the hromada it is necessary for it to be connected to a special service “Social Hromada”.  

According to the actual data, approximately 1,500 amalgamated territorial communities have been formed in Ukraine. Only up to 500 communities have been connected to the “Social Hromada” portal.

So, what do we have as a result?  

The quarantine was extended until February 28, 2021, and from March 1, 2021 all applications for targeted assistance should be processed by hromada representatives in an electronic form and then sent to the Ministry of Social Policy for assistance accrual.

We will see decentralization as it is, in an action. Do members of local amalgamated communities actually care about vulnerable groups? Is the issue of IDPs on the agenda? 

The answers to the above questions will depend on how quickly communities join the “Social Hromada” service and establish the process of assigning and providing social benefits.

We would like to advise internally displaced persons not to wait and start acting right now on their own. In order to do this, one needs to call the local authorities and ask if the amalgamated community is connected to the “Social Hromada” portal, what is the current procedure for assigning assistance and any other relevant questions.

Анастасія Одінцова ANASTASIIA ODINTSOVA RIGHT TO PROTECTION

 “IDPs are already full members of the amalgamated communities. They were granted the right to participate in local elections and I am sure that the right to receive social benefits in communities will also be implemented in the future” 
– said Anastasia Odintsova, legal analyst at the Right to Protection CF.

UNHCR Ukraine – Aгентство ООН у справах біженців в Україні

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09.02.21

On February 6, in the city of Izium in the Kharkiv region, R2P held consultation for internally displaced persons (IDPs) on the housing issues. 17 people joined the event.

During the consultation event such issues and topics were discussed:

  • The procedure for obtaining temporary housing;
  • Main features of housing programs for IDPs;
  • Housing programs: the hromada/settlement level.

“The housing problem has always been one of the most acute for internally displaced persons.  Given that IDP families have different opportunities and requirements, there is an urgent need for appropriate housing programs.  Only with joint efforts at the state and local levels we can achieve a positive result,”

– said Olena Prykhodko, attorney at Right to Protection CF.
Consultation Відбулась зустріч-консультація для ВПО щодо реалізації права на житло

Consultation was organized within the project “Promotion of Social Infrastructure Development, USIF VI”, with the support of the Ukrainian Social Investment Fund.

Consulting activities are regularly organized by the Right to Protection Charitable Fund and help IDPs to exercise their rights guaranteed by the Constitution, Laws of Ukraine and international norms.

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09.02.21

From February 16 to 18 the Prevent Prepare Protect Consortium (3P) will hold a three-day conference “Bridge the Gap: environmental and industrial risks in eastern Ukraine”

The event will be held in an online format in Kyiv. Conference will include thematic panel discussions on the prevention of risks of industrial, natural and environmental disasters in eastern Ukraine, as well as the protection and preparation of civilians and government agencies for possible emergencies in Donbas. In particular, the following issues will be raised:

  • Environmental Monitoring as the basis for a national risk-oriented approach;
  • The mine situation: from ecological constraint to ecological asset;
  • Evidence-based decision making for disaster risk management;
  • Decentralization – Settlement/Hromada level preparedness and response capacity.

The conference is being organized by the members of the 3P Consortium, ACTED, Embassy of Sweden in Kyiv, Embassy of France in Ukraine and with the support of the European Commission’s Directorate General for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid (ECHO).

You can find more detailed information following this link

Risk reduction conference 3P Consortium Конференція Консорціуму ЗР зменшимо ризики

3P Consortium was formed in 2019 by the group of international and Ukrainian NGOs to reduce disaster risk vulnerability in eastern Ukraine.  Members of the 3P Consortium are united by their desire to Prepare, Prevent and Protect civilian populations and critical service systems in Ukraine from the risks of natural, ecological and industrial disasters.

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05.02.21

In context of the decentralization reform a new administrative division system was approved in Ukraine in the mid of 2020. 1469 new territorial communities appeared on the map of the country.

To increase the efficiency of public administrations, the system of districts was optimized and instead of 490 “old” districts, 136 “new” districts were formed. Thus, the preconditions were made for an organization of the local elections in October 2020 on a new administrative division.

However since 2014 many settlements in Donetsk and Luhansk regions have been divided by the “contact line”. Due to non-compliance with international standards of security and democratic electoral process, the next and first local elections in October 2020 failed to be held.

On August 8, 2020, the Central Election Commission of Ukraine (CEC) adopted Resolution № 161, which approved a list of communities where local elections cannot be held. It included 10 villages, settlements and city councils of Donetsk region and 8 in the Luhansk region. Territorial communities where no local elections were held got into a legal collapse, as they could not fully exercise local self-government in order to approve the budget, to open accounts in the treasury, etc. 

In January 2021, some employees of the village, settlement, district, and city councils were not paid their salaries, the funding of educational and cultural institutions stopped due to non-payment of utilities, all the important facilities were on the verge of disconnection from gas and heat supply, administrative service centers have closed down, making it impossible to obtain social services, etc.

Decentralization in Ukraine. Problems and opportunities in Donetsk and Luhansk regions

“Such problems are not uncommon and diverse. Not only citizens, but also representatives of local government have questions to which there are no answers. The only positive solution in the current circumstances will be the establishment of civil-military administrations (CMA) in such territories. Therefore, conditions for the creation of the CMA were changed. ”

– said Alla Skvortsova, lawyer of the Severodonetsk office of the Right to Protection CF.

Relevant amendments to the Law of Ukraine “On Civil-Military Administrations” entered into force on January 14, 2021. Now it is possible to create a CMA not only if local councils do not fulfill their tasks, but also if the CEC has decided that it is impossible to hold local elections in the community. Now the last word is left to the President of Ukraine as the amended version of the law was sent to him for signature.

UNHCR Ukraine – Aгентство ООН у справах біженців в Україні

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