Category: News

This report provides the results of the survey conducted by the Charitable Foundation «The Right to Protection» (R2P) with the support of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) at the five entry-exit checkpoints (EECPs) to the non-government-controlled area (NGCA) in the first quarter of 2019. The data were collected during regular visits to each of the five EECPs (120 visits in three months). More statistical data are available on the Eastern Ukraine Checkpoint Monitoring Online Dashboard – https://goo.gl/Ab1qXs.

The survey has been administered on a regular basis since June 2017. The survey is part of the monitoring of violations of rights of the conflict-affected population within the framework of the project «Advocacy, Protection and Legal Assistance to the Internally Displaced Population of Ukraine» implemented by R2P with the support of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. The objective of the survey is to explore the motivations and concerns of those traveling between the NGCA and the government-controlled area (GCA), as well as the conditions and risks associated with crossing the line of contact through EECPs.

Please download English and Ukrainian versions:

EECP Survey Report 1 quarter 2019 eng

EECP Survey Report 1 quarter 2019 ukr

The report “HUMANITARIAN ACCESS IN EASTERN UKRAINE: REVIEW OF THE SITUATION” was presented in Kyiv. This monitoring was carried out by the Charitable Fund «Right to Protection» (R2P) under the project «Provision of Multi-Sectoral Humanitarian Assistance to Conflict-Affected Populations in Eastern Ukraine» which is implemented by R2P with the financial support of the European Commission, within the framework of civil protection and humanitarian assistance of the European Union within the ACCESS consortium. The purpose of this study was to highlight the real situation with humanitarian access in the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts and to assess the effectiveness of existing mechanisms for ensuring such access. Also during the presentation, R2P representatives outlined the most acute problems in this area and voiced their vision of possible solutions and recommendations.

Non-governmental organizations representatives also participated in the discussion on monitoring results: Samuel Marie-Fanon, ECHO Ukraine office’s Head, Camilla Corradin, Advocacy expert (PiN) and Stuart Kent, Head of  ACCESS consortium (PiN).

The issue of free humanitarian access is vital for the residents of both GCA and NGCA, – the R2P representatives noted during the presentation. Daryna Tolkach, Advocacy coordinator, commented on the situation with humanitarian access in Ukraine today: ”Humanitarian organizations aid sometimes is the only help for the conflict affected population. Therefore it is extremely important to avoid politicization of the humanitarian access issue for non-governmental organizations in order to assist the population.”

Daria Dmytrenko, Legal analyst, described how the study was conducted: “We analyzed the legal regulation of humanitarian access issues in the context of the conflict, available mechanisms for humanitarian coordination, communicated with providers and recipients. The data we gathered are good examples of common problems and often different approaches to their solution.”  – she noted that the geography of the study covers Donetsk and Luhansk regions. (Donetsk region: Bakhmut, Volnovasky, Yasinuvatsky districts, Luhansk oblast: Zolotye, Novoajdarsky, Stanychno-Luhansk districts). Still unresolved security problems, high risk of exacerbation of the situation, infrastructure violations, formal restrictions on movement, lack of training of security forces personnel on humanitarian standards, mine pollution, coordination weaknesses and unfair or unequal distribution of humanitarian assistance, limited access of population of front-line territories to information on assistance.

The participants discussed the humanitarian situation in the country, as 3,5 million Ukrainians today are in need of assistance. So this question is overwhelming. As for today, it is clear that the response structure to the humanitarian crisis needs to be optimized in order to make humanitarian assistance effective. It should be based on the real needs of the affected population, provided on time, which requires transparent and effective procedures for the recognition of humanitarian assistance in accordance with generally accepted standards, including standards for the security of civilians and humanitarian workers.

Camilla Corradin commented: “Access consortium includes a number of NGOs implementing activities on the ground, both in GCA and NGCA. We can therefore bring field evidence to the findings of the R2P report. Our experience confirms indeed that physical access to GCA is overall acceptable. However there are regulatory burdens which make the implementation of our projects less effective (funding- and time-wise). On the one hand there are issues related to difficulties in VAT exemption for humanitarian aid, and beneficiaries incur the risk of having to pay personal income tax on humanitarian support, both of which we find inacceptable. On the other, the legislation related humanitarian interventions is so complex, inconsistent, and non-adapted to the nature of humanitarian aid that it is easy for organizations to fail to comply with rules. Humanitarian actors are therefore hostage of this lack of clarity, as they can easily be accused of wrongdoings. This is particularly true when they also operate in the NGCA, which is often perceived as a potential threat and non-legitimate intervention by state institutions. Therefore, in this time of political changes in Ukraine it is important that we, with the support of the diplomatic community, take the opportunity to engage with new and old actors in the government of Ukraine to stress the need to ensure unrestricted humanitarian access to relief actors, in line with IHL provisions, both in the GCA and NGCA.”

“As for access to NGCA, it remains a major concern, and related-risks for humanitarian organizations operating there are likely to increase as the focus of humanitarian donors increasingly targets this area. We want to stress that the issue is not only about the possibility or not of accessing the NGCA. It is also about the type and level of access that agencies can obtain from the de-facto authorities. We are there, but limited in the number of staff, the selection of beneficiaries, the type of activities—since trainings, capacity building, mental health and psychosocial support cannot be implemented.”,- Stuart Kent expressed an opinion.

The report can be downloaded from the links below.

HUMANITARIAN_ACCESS_in_Eastern_Ukraine_2019_eng

HUMANITARIAN_ACCESS_in_Eastern_Ukraine_2019_ukr

The report “HUMANITARIAN ACCESS IN EASTERN UKRAINE: REVIEW OF THE SITUATION” was presented in Kyiv. This monitoring was carried out by the Charitable Fund «Right to Protection» (R2P) under the project «Provision of Multi-Sectoral Humanitarian Assistance to Conflict-Affected Populations in Eastern Ukraine» which is implemented by R2P with the financial support of the European Commission, within the framework of civil protection and humanitarian assistance of the European Union within the ACCESS consortium. The purpose of this study was to highlight the real situation with humanitarian access in the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts and to assess the effectiveness of existing mechanisms for ensuring such access. Also during the presentation, R2P representatives outlined the most acute problems in this area and voiced their vision of possible solutions and recommendations.

Non-governmental organizations representatives also participated in the discussion on monitoring results: Samuel Marie-Fanon, ECHO Ukraine office’s Head, Camilla Corradin, Advocacy expert (PiN) and Stuart Kent, Head of  ACCESS consortium (PiN).

The issue of free humanitarian access is vital for the residents of both GCA and NGCA, – the R2P representatives noted during the presentation. Daryna Tolkach, Advocacy coordinator, commented on the situation with humanitarian access in Ukraine today: ”Humanitarian organizations aid sometimes is the only help for the conflict affected population. Therefore it is extremely important to avoid politicization of the humanitarian access issue for non-governmental organizations in order to assist the population.”

Daria Dmytrenko, Legal analyst, described how the study was conducted: “We analyzed the legal regulation of humanitarian access issues in the context of the conflict, available mechanisms for humanitarian coordination, communicated with providers and recipients. The data we gathered are good examples of common problems and often different approaches to their solution.”  – she noted that the geography of the study covers Donetsk and Luhansk regions. (Donetsk region: Bakhmut, Volnovasky, Yasinuvatsky districts, Luhansk oblast: Zolotye, Novoajdarsky, Stanychno-Luhansk districts). Still unresolved security problems, high risk of exacerbation of the situation, infrastructure violations, formal restrictions on movement, lack of training of security forces personnel on humanitarian standards, mine pollution, coordination weaknesses and unfair or unequal distribution of humanitarian assistance, limited access of population of front-line territories to information on assistance.

The participants discussed the humanitarian situation in the country, as 3,5 million Ukrainians today are in need of assistance. So this question is overwhelming. As for today, it is clear that the response structure to the humanitarian crisis needs to be optimized in order to make humanitarian assistance effective. It should be based on the real needs of the affected population, provided on time, which requires transparent and effective procedures for the recognition of humanitarian assistance in accordance with generally accepted standards, including standards for the security of civilians and humanitarian workers.

Camilla Corradin commented: “Access consortium includes a number of NGOs implementing activities on the ground, both in GCA and NGCA. We can therefore bring field evidence to the findings of the R2P report. Our experience confirms indeed that physical access to GCA is overall acceptable. However there are regulatory burdens which make the implementation of our projects less effective (funding- and time-wise). On the one hand there are issues related to difficulties in VAT exemption for humanitarian aid, and beneficiaries incur the risk of having to pay personal income tax on humanitarian support, both of which we find inacceptable. On the other, the legislation related humanitarian interventions is so complex, inconsistent, and non-adapted to the nature of humanitarian aid that it is easy for organizations to fail to comply with rules. Humanitarian actors are therefore hostage of this lack of clarity, as they can easily be accused of wrongdoings. This is particularly true when they also operate in the NGCA, which is often perceived as a potential threat and non-legitimate intervention by state institutions. Therefore, in this time of political changes in Ukraine it is important that we, with the support of the diplomatic community, take the opportunity to engage with new and old actors in the government of Ukraine to stress the need to ensure unrestricted humanitarian access to relief actors, in line with IHL provisions, both in the GCA and NGCA.”

“As for access to NGCA, it remains a major concern, and related-risks for humanitarian organizations operating there are likely to increase as the focus of humanitarian donors increasingly targets this area. We want to stress that the issue is not only about the possibility or not of accessing the NGCA. It is also about the type and level of access that agencies can obtain from the de-facto authorities. We are there, but limited in the number of staff, the selection of beneficiaries, the type of activities—since trainings, capacity building, mental health and psychosocial support cannot be implemented.”,- Stuart Kent expressed an opinion.

The report can be downloaded from the links below.

HUMANITARIAN_ACCESS_in_Eastern_Ukraine_2019_eng

HUMANITARIAN_ACCESS_in_Eastern_Ukraine_2019_ukr

On March 27, the Charitable Fund “Right to Protection” (R2P) hosted a meeting for those who want to learn barber’s profession. During the presentation representatives of the hairdressing network “Chop-Chop Ukraine” inspired the audience to conquer new heights. At the present, the network has 9 salons, which employ over 100 people – skilled specialists and masters of their job. They support the 300-year old tradition of classical haircut, beard care and royal shaving.

Sam Barekzai, a former refugee from Afghanistan, was forced to seek asylum in Ukraine. For a long time, he accepted any job. He always dreamed about owning his own barbershop network. And four years ago, his dream came true – he opened the “Borodach Barbershop”. Today Sam is a socially responsible employer and philanthropist, as well as owner of the “Chop-Chop Ukraine” Premium Barber Shop, which he bought a year ago.

Barekzai’s speech concerned the classification of human needs, motivation and expression. He not only shared the story of his own success (how he developed and implemented a unique system of motivation for personnel and professional development in the company), but also offered interested individuals the opportunity to join his team in the future. He paid special attention to the peculiarities of the work, expectations and realities.

Valeria Michalko, R2P business development specialist commented: “70% of the candidates who came to the presentation immediately signed up for an interview and will soon take advantage of the opportunity for free training and the acquisition of a new promising profession as a barber. The motivational system and career opportunities in the “Chop Chop” barbershop network are unique and demonstrate the high level of loyalty, social responsibility, professionalism and openness to decent, hard-working employees.” “It will not be easy,” as one of the network experts noted, but it is a very real possibility to provide a decent standard of living for themselves and their loved ones thanks to an interesting profession”.

Svitlana Butenko, R2P lawyer said: “The network representatives spoke not only about the specifics of the profession, but also about self-realization and self-improvement within the company’s walls. After one year, barbers make a comfortable salary, and after 3 years of fruitful work – partnership and the opening of their own barbershops within the network. The most important thing is that the company provides training to vulnerable groups of the population for free”.
R2P does everything possible for its beneficiaries to get a chance to change their lives for the better.

On March 27, the Charitable Fund “Right to Protection” (R2P) hosted a meeting for those who want to learn barber’s profession. During the presentation representatives of the hairdressing network “Chop-Chop Ukraine” inspired the audience to conquer new heights. At the present, the network has 9 salons, which employ over 100 people – skilled specialists and masters of their job. They support the 300-year old tradition of classical haircut, beard care and royal shaving.

Sam Barekzai, a former refugee from Afghanistan, was forced to seek asylum in Ukraine. For a long time, he accepted any job. He always dreamed about owning his own barbershop network. And four years ago, his dream came true – he opened the “Borodach Barbershop”. Today Sam is a socially responsible employer and philanthropist, as well as owner of the “Chop-Chop Ukraine” Premium Barber Shop, which he bought a year ago.

Barekzai’s speech concerned the classification of human needs, motivation and expression. He not only shared the story of his own success (how he developed and implemented a unique system of motivation for personnel and professional development in the company), but also offered interested individuals the opportunity to join his team in the future. He paid special attention to the peculiarities of the work, expectations and realities.

Valeria Michalko, R2P business development specialist commented: “70% of the candidates who came to the presentation immediately signed up for an interview and will soon take advantage of the opportunity for free training and the acquisition of a new promising profession as a barber. The motivational system and career opportunities in the “Chop Chop” barbershop network are unique and demonstrate the high level of loyalty, social responsibility, professionalism and openness to decent, hard-working employees.” “It will not be easy,” as one of the network experts noted, but it is a very real possibility to provide a decent standard of living for themselves and their loved ones thanks to an interesting profession”.

Svitlana Butenko, R2P lawyer said: “The network representatives spoke not only about the specifics of the profession, but also about self-realization and self-improvement within the company’s walls. After one year, barbers make a comfortable salary, and after 3 years of fruitful work – partnership and the opening of their own barbershops within the network. The most important thing is that the company provides training to vulnerable groups of the population for free”.
R2P does everything possible for its beneficiaries to get a chance to change their lives for the better.

Every day asylum seekers turn to us. Due to certain life circumstances they found themselves in Ukraine. Escaping from the war, humiliation, all kinds of discrimination they want Ukraine to become their 2nd home.
Niger citizen Issa Allasan arrived in early 90s, in 96 he graduated. Being a tuareg by birth he could not return home. This national minority is being persecuted in his country. Besides, in his youth he took part in anti-government student demonstrations for democracy. Issa had no other choice but to become an asylum seeker, he has been remaining in this status for the last 15 years.

One day, Issa put a letter into our complaint box …https://www.facebook.com/right2protection/videos/612128609192474/