09.06.2025
PRAVOSVIDOMI support the formula for effective dialogue among educators
On June 9, 2025, the city of Slavutych hosted an event that brought together almost 200 progressive Ukrainian educators – EdCamp Slavutych, during which Maryna Saienko, Chairman of the Board of PRAVOSVIDOMI, held a master class on “Calm in the midst of the storm: a formula for effective dialogue.”
The event, organized in the format of a “(un)conference”, became another platform for lively dialogue, exchange of practices and joint search for answers to the challenges faced by Ukrainian education in the context of a full-scale war, reforms and humanitarian crises. EdCamp is the largest educational community in Ukraine, which over the years has grown into a powerful movement of teachers who think critically, act responsibly, and transmit the values of a democratic society.
In her speech, Maryna Saienko shared practical tools for effective communication and focused on how to maintain internal stability in an environment of high emotional stress.
The speaker emphasized that law-abiding behavior begins with empathy, respect for the dignity of the interlocutor, and awareness of emotions – both one’s own and others’, as well as respect for one’s own boundaries and those of others. In this context, she presented fragments of the activities of PRAVOSVIDOMI, an organization that focuses on legal education of young people, formation of law-abiding behavior and development of a culture of dialogue. Maryna Saienko emphasized that teachers are agents of change who make a significant contribution to shaping the consciousness of the younger generation by laying down constructive principles.
The PRAVOSVIDOMI team is consistently working on implementing initiatives that combine a human rights-based approach with modern soft skills techniques, storytelling and gamification. We strive to ensure that our programs help young people not only know their rights, but also understand how to exercise them through dialogue and active law-abiding behavior. In order to build a common future, we need to learn to talk instead of shouting, to listen instead of condemning, to support instead of devaluing.
We are sincerely grateful to the EdCamp Ukraine team and the community of Slavutych for the invitation, inspiration, space, support, and true partnership. We believe that through dialogue and cooperation, we will be able to shape a new quality of Ukrainian identity – law-abiding, responsible, and effective.
Learn more about the event here: https://edcamp.org.ua
22.07.2024
PRAVOSVIDOMI Co-organized a Large-scale Veterans’ Regional Forum in Ternopil
On July 22, 2024, a large regional forum “Veterans – The Way Home: Community Capabilities in Protecting Rights and Meeting Veterans’ Needs” took place in Ternopil, with more than 150 participants attending in person and over 300 attending remotely.
The Forum serves as a good example of the joint efforts of the state, local authorities, civil society, and the veteran community to discuss important issues of effective interaction in the direction of forming veteran policy at the national and local levels. Thus, the co-organizers of the forum were the Committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on Social Policy and Veterans’ Rights Protection together with the Ternopil Regional Military Administration, Ternopil City Council, the Inter-Factional Deputies’ Association “Rehabilitation Forces of Ukraine”, the Ternopil Regional Union of Combatants and Military Personnel, the NGO “PRAVOSVIDOMI”, the NGO “Ukraine 2.0.”, iHUB, and with the assistance of the USAID Program “RADA: The Next Generation”.
During the Forum, veterans had the opportunity to hear about existing and planned state and local programs for the support of veterans and their families, as well as initiatives from public organizations working with veterans. It was particularly important that the Forum became a platform where veterans could openly share the problems they face after returning to civilian life, express their views on what veteran policies should be, which needs of veterans and their families should be considered, and on what principles these policies should be formed.
The team PRAVOSVIDOMI was represented at the Forum by the Chair of the Board, Maryna Sayenko, who presented the Roadmap for the Development of Veteran Entrepreneurship, developed by our team in collaboration with partners from IHub.
Veteran policy, based on respect for the dignity of every veteran, must become a priority for the state and be built on their real needs. There are many challenges, but through constant dialogue, we have a chance to find effective solutions. The first important steps in this are being taken by many concerned individuals.
We firmly believe in the power of synergy to bring Ukraine’s Victory closer and to form a human-centered society. Therefore, we invite territorial communities that are ready to implement reintegration programs for veterans by enhancing the entrepreneurial capacities of their members – war veterans and their families – to collaborate with us. You can propose cooperation here: feedback form
Details of the Forum program, speakers, and event recording are available here: https://vetwayhome.com.ua/
16.07.2024
WHY HAVING A LAWYER IS A MANIFESTATION OF LEGAL AWARENESS, WAS DISCUSSED ON UKRAINIAN RADIO
On July 16, 2024, Maryna Saienko, a lawyer and advocate of the NGO PRAVOSVIDOMI, became a guest of the program “For the time being. Law” program was Maryna Saienko, Chairman of the Board of PRAVOSVIDOMI NGO and an experienced lawyer.
During the conversation with the program’s host Natalia Paraka, Maryna Saienko drew attention to why it is important to choose your lawyer and be sure that your rights and legitimate interests will be protected at the right time, where and how to look for a lawyer and how to choose one, what conditions of cooperation with a lawyer should be considered before starting to interact with him, what responsibilities a lawyer bears and how to protect yourself from losses with the help of legal aid.
The PRAVOSVIDYMY team actively supports initiatives that promote the legal culture of Ukrainians, as it contributes to the strengthening of civil society and the Ukrainian state as a whole.
You can listen to the conversation here: On time 16.07.2024 14:37 (ukr.radio)
18.07.2024
PRAVOVIDOMI together with IHUB held a presentation of the Roadmap for Entrepreneurship Development for Territorial Communities
On 18.07.2024, the team of PRAVOSVIDOMI NGO together with IHub and with the support of the All-Ukrainian Association of United Territorial Communities held an online presentation of the Roadmap for the Development of Veteran Entrepreneurship in Ukraine for territorial communities and veterans.
The Roadmap was developed within the framework of the Support to Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Program in Ukraine, funded by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office and implemented by Crown Agents in partnership with International Alert and in cooperation with Crown Agents in Ukraine.
The PRAVOSVIDOMI team was represented at the event by the Chairman of the Board Maryna Sayenko, members of the Board Olena Smoliak, Vitaliy Ruban and Shadi Saad, who outlined the existing problems and obstacles in the development of veteran entrepreneurship in Ukraine, and suggested possible solutions to the problems at both national and regional levels. PRAVOSVIDOMI emphasized the need to transform the veteran policy from the principles of preferential support for veterans as an excessive burden on budgets to the principles of comprehensive support by the state and local governments for initiatives to create and develop veteran entrepreneurship, reduce bureaucratic obstacles, and establish proper communications, which will lead to a WIN-WIN result for all participants in the process. The principle of “nothing for veterans without veterans” should be the main one in the development of this policy, focused on the real needs of veterans themselves, as well as the ability of certain territorial communities to meet them.
The initiator and co-author of the Roadmap, IHub Director Vadym Petrunin, drew attention to the fact that the Roadmap was developed with consideration of foreign experience of starting a business by war veterans and borrowing the best international practices to adapt them to Ukrainian realities.
The speeches of veterans from different regions of Ukraine – Taras Shevchuk, Taras Leliukh, Oleksandr Solonikov – who already have experience in doing business in Ternopil, Poltava and Sumy communities and directly deal with the problems of veterans on the ground, were extremely valuable. Veterans drew attention to the need to consolidate the efforts of the community and business environment, the public sector, and international donor organizations to create effective programs where veterans will be able to provide services to large businesses, fulfill defense orders for the state, and create jobs for their comrades who have returned to civilian life.
The PRAVOSVIDOMI team fully supports the idea of the need for a comprehensive dialogue between all stakeholders to create a human-centered veteran policy based on respect for the dignity of veterans and their ability to bring Ukraine’s victory closer and strengthen local communities through entrepreneurship. Therefore, we invite local communities that are ready to implement veterans’ reintegration programs by increasing the entrepreneurial capacity of their members – war veterans and their families – to cooperate.
You can offer us cooperation through the feedback form.
You may find the Roadmap by the link
26.04.2024
PRAVOSVIDOMI became co-founders of the CSO Recovery Community
Today, the official signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation in the CSOs Recovery Community took place.
The official event took place at the ISAR Ednannia Civil Society House.
In August 2023, PRAVOSVIDOMI was selected among more than 150 civil society organizations to participate in the CSO Recovery Community.
On behalf of PRAVOSVIDOMI, the Memorandum was signed by Board member Shadi Saad.
PRAVOSVIDOMI is a member of the team responsible for the Reintegration of Veterans and Women Veterans.
The importance of our direction cannot be overestimated. Implementation of the system of reintegration of female and male veterans is a major component of the state’s veteran policy.
The CSO Recovery Community united 54 civil society organizations last summer.
The community was created at the initiative of ISAR Ednannia to unite the efforts of civil society organizations in the recovery of Ukraine.
Participation in the Community will allow CSOs to implement large-scale initiatives to recover Ukraine through the cooperation of many organizations, as well as strengthen their institutional capacity.
The project is funded by the U.S. Embassy Kyiv Ukraine, in cooperation with the Civil Society Sectoral Support Initiative, implemented by ISAR Ednannia in partnership with the Ukrainian Center for Independent Political Research and the Center for Democracy and Rule of Law, thanks to the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) – USAID Ukraine.
Our legal expertise will be useful in lawmaking, advocacy for legislative changes and implementation of legal mechanisms for reintegration of veterans and veteran organizations.
More information about the Community is available here.
13.03.2024
The Social Policy Committee of the Verkhovna Rada voted in favor of the draft Law On Veteran Entrepreneurship (No. 10258)
The Social Policy Committee of the Verkhovna Rada voted in favor of the draft Law On Veteran Entrepreneurship (No. 10258), co-authored by Vitalii Ruban and Olena Smoliak, board members of PRAVOSVIDOMI (the authors’ team can be found here https://itd.rada.gov.ua/billInfo/Bills/Card/43186).
This is the step that allows the draft law to be voted on by MPs in the session hall.
This is the draft law that begins to rebuild the systemic socio-economic reintegration of veterans and their families by providing opportunities for economic independence through entrepreneurial activity.
But there is still much work and improvement to be done. The law is only one of the necessary regulations, not the only one.
We thank Taras Leliukh for having the opportunity to share his invaluable experience, help his fellow soldiers become economically independent and engage in lawmaking activities in between destroying the enemy.
We are grateful to the Member of Parliament of Ukraine Mr. Taras Tarasenko for his leadership and initiative in this process, for defending the interests of the military, the Defenders – those who make each of us Ukrainians and allow us to walk and breathe on a free land.
28.02.2024
Conference “Support for Veterans’ Entrepreneurship: from national to regional perspective”
The event was jointly organized by the Ukrainian Veterans Fund, the Ministry of Veterans, PRAVOSVIDOMI, IHUB, Rehabilitation Forces of Ukraine and the Ukraine 2.0 civil initiative with the support of the Support to Civil Society Organizations in Ukraine program funded by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office and implemented by Crown Agents in partnership with Internatiol Alerter and in cooperation with Crown Agents in Ukraine.
The panel discussion was attended by Taras Tarasenko, Member of Parliament of Ukraine, Iryna Vereshchuk, Vice Prime Minister for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine, Oleksandr Porkhun, Acting Minister of Veterans Affairs, representatives of local governments and central executive authorities, veterans, and the public.
PRAVOSVIDOMI NGO was represented at the panel discussions by Board members Vitalii Ruban and Olena Smoliak.
The discussion raised important issues of veteran business development, the uniqueness of veterans’ expertise in military affairs and meeting the needs of the army, the importance of state support and active involvement of local authorities.
The need for the adoption of the Law of Ukraine “On Veteran Entrepreneurship” was repeatedly expressed.
The lack of a well-developed veterans’ policy on the part of the state was sharply criticized.
15.12.2023
PRAVOSVIDOMI JOINED A SCIENTIFIC BRIEFING ON THE RIGHT TO PEACE
On December 13, 2023, the Ukrainian National News Agency Ukrinform hosted the first scientific briefing in Ukraine “The Formula for Peace. The Human Right to Peace.” dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The briefing was organized by the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, V.M. Koretsky Institute of State and Law and Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University.
Maryna Sayenko, Chair of the Board of PRAVOSVIDOMI, was invited to participate in the briefing as a speaker and emphasized the importance of revising the terms of the social contract in view of the challenges of war and the need to decide together what our country will be like after the Victory. “We need to learn to negotiate – despite different experiences and degrees of war trauma. And we need to develop a culture of dialogue, to focus not on what polarizes us, but on what unites us – on common interests in preserving our state, so that we can adequately overcome all challenges,” said Maryna Sayenko.
Other speakers at the event included Oleksandr Skrypniuk, Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Director of the V.M. Koretsky Institute of State and Law of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine; Mykola Velychkovych, Member of the Ukrainian Parliament; Angelika Krusian, Professor, Academic Secretary of the V.M. Koretsky Institute of State and Law of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine; Natalia Onishchenko, Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Deputy Director of the V.M. Koretsky Institute of State and Law of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine; Serhiy Vysokov, Deputy Director of the Institute of State and Law of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine; and others. V. Koretsky Institute of State and Law of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine; Serhiy Vysotsky, Member of Parliament of Ukraine of the VIII convocation; Volodymyr Bahriy, legal expert of the National Educational Platform “Vseosvita”; Iryna Senyuta, Professor, Head of the Department of Medical Law of the Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University; Khrystyna Tereshko, Associate Professor, Associate Professor of the Department of Medical Law of the Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University.
The participants of the briefing discussed a number of problematic issues in Ukraine today: from the essence of the human right to peace, the expediency of its normative consolidation to the statement of its recognition as a necessary condition for the realization of all other rights, in particular, the human right to health care, which is a guarantee of the right to life.
PRAVOSVIDOMI actively support peacebuilding initiatives in Ukrainian society and call for the unification of efforts of scholars, practitioners, civil society and government to implement relevant programs in all areas of education and awareness.
To watch the discussion, please follow the link.
11.12.2023
PRAVOSVIDOMI took part in the Conference-Dialogue “Prospects for the Development of Veteran Entrepreneurship in the Context of the Law of Ukraine “On Veteran Entrepreneurship”
On 11.12.2023, with the organizational support of the REHABILITATION FORCES OF UKRAINE, the CAPABLE UKRAINE Acceleration Program and IHUB, a conference-dialogue “Prospects for the Development of Veteran Entrepreneurship in the Context of the Law of Ukraine “On Veteran Entrepreneurship” was held.
The purpose of the event was to discuss with representatives of central executive authorities, local governments, veterans, and representatives of non-governmental organizations the problems and prospects for the development of veteran entrepreneurship at both the national and local levels.
The discussion was attended by Vadym Svyrydenko, Advisor to the Presidential Commissioner for Rehabilitation of Combatants, veteran, entrepreneur, co-founder of the ATO Entrepreneurs Association Oleksandr Matiash, human rights activist, public figure, founder of the NGO Princip, Masi Nayem, chairman of the ATO Veterans Entrepreneurs Association Serhiy Pozniak, Deputy Minister of Economy Tetiana Berezhna, acting Ruslana Velychko-Trifoniuk, Executive Director of the Ukrainian Veterans Fund Taras Tarasenko, MP of the 9th convocation, Head of the Inter-Factional Deputy Association “Rehabilitation Forces of Ukraine”; Halyna Yanchenko, MP of the 9th convocation, Head of the Temporary Special Commission of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on Investor Protection; Yulia Zhovtyak, Director of the State Employment Center, Olga Makahon, Project Manager of the CMU Reforms Office, Natalia Berikashvili, Kyiv City Council Member, Deputy Head of the Standing Committee on Health, Family and Social Policy, Lilia Savych, Head of Human Resources at Lviv City Council, Olena Smoliak, Board Member of the NGO “PRAVOSVIDOMI”, Kostiantyn Tatarkin, Technical Advisor of the IREX Veterans Reintegration Program, and Vadym Petrunin, Project Manager of Capable Ukraine.
Olena Smoliak, a Board member of the PRAVOSVIDOMI, took part in the panel discussion “Development of Veteran Entrepreneurship at the Local Level and in Communities.”
Currently, the current legislation and the Bill “On Veteran Entrepreneurship” provide opportunities for communities to create effective mechanisms to support local veteran businesses. However, in order for the newly created local support programs to be in demand and really give impetus to the development of veteran businesses, it is necessary for local authorities to study the needs of their communities in detail and have a long-term development plan. These should not be documents of formal significance “because the law requires it”, but a real business plan for community development should be developed, in which veteran business should not only be considered as an expenditure part of the local budget, but, above all, as an important economic component of local budget revenues and community development.
We should not exclude the possibility of uniting the efforts of communities and cooperating to achieve more profitable economic results.
However, the main vectors of development should still be set by the state. After all, communities should function as an integral organism that ensures the sustainability and viability of the country as a whole.
The Bill “On Veteran Entrepreneurship” also lays the groundwork for the creation of a certain information ecosystem that will display all relevant information on opportunities and needs for veteran entrepreneurship on a localized basis. After all, we constantly observe situations where communities really have interesting and necessary support initiatives, but veterans and their families do not have this information.
However, no matter what laws we create, they will be enforced by government officials. Therefore, the implementation of any initiative and the quality of fulfillment of the requirements of the law depends on the quality of such representatives, who are elected by the people. Only a RIGHTEOUS approach of the society will ensure the formation of a RIGHTEOUS government capable of developing effective tools to support and develop veteran entrepreneurship, and not only.
20.11.2023
PRAVOSVIDOMI improved their first aid skills
Possession of first aid skills in a full-scale war is a duty and a vital necessity for every person, because in critical situations it can save your own life and save those around you.
We, the PRAVOSVIDOMI, are well aware of this, so we periodically undergo training in tactical medicine to keep ourselves in good shape.
So, on November 18, our team members – Maryna Sayenko (Chairman of the Board) and Olena Smolyak (member of the Board) – completed an 8-hour training in tactical medicine under the TCCC (Tactical Combat Casualty Care) – All Service Members Course at the Ukrainian Rescue School. The training included theoretical and practical parts, based on the TCCC recommendations adapted to Ukrainian realities.
Participation in such trainings helps to realize one’s own responsibility for one’s own safety and the safety of loved ones and to be as prepared as possible for emergency situations, thus making one feel more confident.
We, as PRAVOSVIDOMI, will continue to participate in such exercises and sincerely recommend it to all conscious people.
13.11.2023
PRAVOSVIDOMI joined the development of a Bill on veteran entrepreneurship
On November 13, 2023, the Bill on Veteran Entrepreneurship No. 10258, co-authored by PRAVOSVIDOMI, was registered in the Verkhovna Rada (the author’s team can be found here).
The Bill defines veteran entrepreneurship, determines the entities and sets restrictions on those who cannot be such entities, forms a general framework for providing state and local support for the development of veteran entrepreneurship, and provides for the possibility of creating a veteran social entrepreneurship.
This Bill is the first and most important step in shaping the legal framework for implementing effective tools to support both former military personnel and their families and the economy as a whole.
According to surveys, about 60 percent of veterans and active military personnel (future potential veterans) would like to have their own business.
Veterans’ businesses are already generating proposals that may be attractive to both domestic and foreign investors and grantors. It is worth noting that war veterans are brave and effective people. They are not afraid to experiment and explore new areas or implement scientific and innovative developments.
Veteran-owned businesses are a significant and successful component of the US economy. Currently, there are more than 2 million veteran-owned businesses operating there, contributing about 5% of the US GDP. This convincingly proves that veteran-owned businesses can be a powerful asset and an important component of the country’s business environment.
10.11.2023
PRAVOSVIDOMI took part in the RoundTable: “Discussion of social entrepreneurship and veteran business”
On 10.11.2023, a roundtable discussion on veterans’ social entrepreneurship was held at the ISAR Ednannia Civil Society House. The event was held at the initiative of the People’s Deputy of Ukraine Oleksandr Sanchenko, with the organizational support of the Charitable Foundation “FENIX Foundation”, NGO “KYIV YOUTH TEAM”, together with the FRIEDRICH NAUMANN FOUNDATION FOR FREEDOM UKRAINE.
The team of PRAVOSVIDOMI was represented at the event by members of the Board – Olena Smoliak and Vitaliy Ruban, who are currently actively working on veteran business issues.
The discussion was also attended by: Volodymyr Sheyhus, Executive Director of Isar Ednannia, Maryna Popatenko, Policy and Engagement Advisor of the USAID Dream and Act program at IREX in Ukraine, Serhiy Hryvko, Member of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, and Anna Gulevska, SILab Ukraine expert, CEO of UKRAINIAN SOCIAL VENTURE FUND Olena Kalibaba, co-founder of UKRAINIAN SOCIAL VENTURE FUND Artem Kornetskyi, Yulia Kovalenko, project manager of FRIEDRICH NAUMANN FOUNDATION FOR FREEDOM UKRAINE Volodymyr Kildiy, Olga Ponomarenko, and others.
At the Roundtable, special attention was paid to discussing the definition of social entrepreneurship. Today, social entrepreneurship and impact entrepreneurship are actively developing in Ukraine, but without any legislative basis.
As a result of the joint discussion, a definition of “social entrepreneurship” was developed, which should form the basis for the formation of the necessary legislative framework.
07.11.2023
Pravosvidomi, as co-authors of the Bill “On Veteran Entrepreneurship”, took part in the Round Table: “Discussion of social entrepreneurship and veteran business”
Olena Smoliak and Vitaliy Ruban, members of the Board of PRAVOSVIDOMI NGO, took part in the RoundTable “Discussion of Social Entrepreneurship and Veteran Business”, which took place on 07.11.2023 in Kyiv. The event was organized with the support of the Charitable Foundation “FENIX Foundation”, NGO “KYIV YOUTH TEAM”, VETERAN HUB together with the Representative Office of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Ukraine.
The issue of creating decent living conditions for veterans after their return to civilian life is one of the most important components of national security.
The state’s task is to study the best international experience and adapt it to our realities and the needs of Ukrainian society.
The purpose of the Roundtable was to bring together all stakeholders and discuss proposed legislative initiatives on veteran entrepreneurship as an important component of ensuring decent living conditions for veterans and their families, their socio-economic independence and stability, and their easy reintegration into society.
The discussion was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Veterans Fund, Ukrainian Defense Industry JSC, as well as members of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, including Taras Tarasenko, as chairman of the Rehabilitation Forces of Ukraine inter-factional parliamentary association, and members of the public.
Undoubtedly, all the participants of the discussion were concerned with the issue of ensuring fair and open conditions for the functioning of veteran entrepreneurship, and introducing safeguards against abuse of state and local benefits.
In particular, Masi Nayyem, head of the Human Rights Center for the Military “Principle,” rightly noted that the state should not make empty promises to veterans and their families that it cannot fulfill. Therefore, it is important to take into account the country’s real capacity to implement certain programs.
Serhiy Pozniak, Head of the NGO “Association of Entrepreneurs – ATO Veterans,” emphasized the need to take into account the opinions of veterans themselves, including those who already have an operating business.
All the participants of the discussion shared a common desire to create the best possible conditions for the establishment and operation of veteran entrepreneurship.
07.11.2023
PRAVOSVIDOMI is 1 year old – greetings from the Chair of the Board Marina Sayenko
A year ago, we legalized our relationship and created PRAVOSVIDOMI NGO to help revive our country and build a society of PRAVOSVIDOMI citizens.
During this year, we have studied, worked, strategized, experimented, met, grown, and volunteered a lot to become who we are today.
We have done quite a lot of useful things and we need to realize it ourselves. We will do this and present our path soon.
We have matured and changed in many aspects, but our values, faith in the Victory and in each other, as well as our desire to be useful to our Country, have remained unchanged.
I am proud of our Team of fantastic people and I know that together we will do many valuable things.
Helen Smolyak, Shadi Saad, Yevgeny Artyukhov, Olga Akulenko, Vitaliy Ruban, you are treasures. I am proud to be in the same boat with you.
Let’s keep pounding this rock!
From the team – we love you too!
30.09.2023
PRAVOSVIDOMI joined the Ukraine Civil Society Recovery Community with the assistance of ISAR Ednannia
In August 2023, PRAVOSVIDOMI was selected among more than 150 civil society organizations to participate in the Ukraine Civil Society Recovery Community.
The community was created at the initiative of ISAR Ednannia to unite the efforts of civil society organizations in the restoration of Ukraine.
On September 28, 2023, the first live meeting of the Community members took place. The meeting was opened by ISAR Ednannia Executive Director Volodymyr Sheyhus.
The meeting provided an opportunity for CSO representatives to get to know each other, as well as to undergo the first stage of training – advocacy of regulations.
The CSOs also decided on the areas of recovery.
The Community members were grouped into 8 key areas of Ukraine’s recovery:
- Reintegration of veterans
- Business recovery
- Shelter Restoration
- Development of local self-government
- Medical sphere
- Ecology and environmental protection
- Involvement of residents in decision-making
- Approval and development of local documents
PRAVOSVIDOMI joined the project in two areas: Reintegration of veterans and business recovery.
In total, the members of the Ukraine Civil Society Recovery Community include more than 50 organizations from all over Ukraine that are engaged in various areas of reconstruction.
PRAVOSVIDOMI was represented at the meeting by Board member Shadi Saad, who was actively involved in the work on the areas and development of ideas for recovery and reconstruction.
Participation in the Community will provide an opportunity to implement large-scale CSO initiatives to restore Ukraine through the cooperation of many organizations, as well as strengthen their institutional capacity.
The project is funded by the U.S. Embassy Kyiv Ukraine, in cooperation with the Civil Society Sectoral Support Initiative project implemented by Isar Ednannia in partnership with the Ukrainian Center for Independent Political Research and the Center for Democracy and Rule of Law, thanks to the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) – USAID Ukraine.
Our legal expertise will be useful in lawmaking, advocating for legislative changes, and implementing legal mechanisms for implementing Ukraine’s recovery projects.
More information on the establishment of the Network is available here.
27.09.2023
PRAVOSVIDOMI – MENTORSHIP PROGRAM GRADUATES of MENTEE 4.0.
On September 27, 2023, the final event of the Mentorship Program 4.0 (Mentee 4.0) took place. The program aimed to enhance advocacy and other capacities of civil society organizations and was implemented as part of the project ‘Civil Society Sectoral Support Initiative in Ukraine.’ The project is realized by ISAR Unity in consortium with the Ukrainian Independent Center for Political Studies (UICPS) and the Center for Democracy and Rule of Law (CEDAR), with sincere support from the American people provided through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Ukraine.
Participation in Mentee 4.0 was an opportunity for our organization, ‘PRAVOSVIDOMI’, represented by the Chair of the Board, Marina Sayenko, and Board Member Olena Smolyak, to receive comprehensive mentorship support for 7 months from the authoritative and experienced ‘Institute for Analysis and Advocacy’ (IAA). This support included systematic training to strengthen organizational capacities, the implementation of our advocacy plan, and networking with other civil society organizations working in different areas for the sake of Ukraine’s Victory.
During the program, PRAVOSVIDOMI conducted a strategic session on organizational development with the help of our mentor, participated in a training mentorship camp, and completed over 20 hours of training on advocacy, communication, networking, and other important topics. This will allow our team to transform our plans into reality.
The project for which PRAVOSVIDOMI was selected to participate in the Mentorship Program is a series on human rights that will present serious and important topics in an engaging and accessible way, sparking a trend of legal awareness among the main target audience, the Ukrainian youth.
We have worked diligently to perfect our idea, studying the audience’s needs, researching the market, and consulting with experts. We have created a teaser for the upcoming series and are ready to present it to the world. We genuinely aim to produce a high-quality product and will carefully consider all feedback in our continued work on creating the series.
We sincerely thank everyone for this unique experience, and especially our mentor for their support and belief in us. We are delighted that PRAVOSVIDOMI is now a part of the extensive community of civil society organizations – graduates of the mentorship program from different years. This means our fruitful cooperation will continue.
15.09.2023
PRAVOSVIDOMI expands its partnership network in Ukraine’s reconstruction processes
On September 14-15, 2023, the III Legal Reforms Forum for NGOs: Becoming Stronger During Wartime was held in Kyiv as part of the “Sectoral Support Initiative for Civil Society in Ukraine” project. The event was organized by the ISAR in consortium with the Ukrainian Independent Center for Political Studies (UICPS) and the Center for Democracy and Rule of Law (CEDRL).
The forum brought together active representatives from civil society organizations and charitable foundations from across Ukraine. It also saw the participation of members of parliament, city mayors, and representatives from government authorities. The primary aim was to discuss pressing issues related to the interaction between government and civil society, as well as to explore ways to enhance its effectiveness.
Representing the NGO “PRAVOSVIDOMI” at the forum were Marina Saienko, Chair of the Board, and Shadi Saad, Board Member. Participation in the forum offered our organization the opportunity to stay informed about trends in the NGO sector, advocate for legislative improvements, enhance our expertise, and expand our partnership network through collaboration with other organizations.
For more details about the event, please refer to the provided link.
21.06.2023
PRAVOSVIDOMI support the resilient recovery of Ukraine at the international level.
On the eve of the international Ukraine Recovery Conference 2023 (#URC), the conference “Shaping the new Ukraine: Delivering resilient recovery” was held in London.
This conference’s goal was to find ways to shape a better-than-ever, fully reconstructed Ukraine, once peace is achieved but starting right now.
Ukraine’s recovery requires enormous human and financial resources and will impact every sphere of public life.
This event convenes Ukrainian and other international participants representing governments, civil society, cities, philanthropic organizations, private foundations, and the private sector.
It offers new insights and approaches to recovery and discusses specific mechanisms to rebuild Ukraine sustainably, inclusively, and transparently.
Shadi Saad, a Board member of the NGO “PRAVOSVIDOMI”, participated in the conference. In his opinion, the involvement of the international community in the resilient reconstruction of Ukraine will allow to build a new Ukraine in the shortest possible time, and the active involvement of the civil sector will allow to revive a PRAVOSVIDOME Ukrainian society.
You can learn more about the conference at the link.
14.06.2023
PRAМOSVIDOMI took part in the Mentee 4.0 Camp of the Mentoring Program.
From June 7th to June 9th, 2023, the Mentee 4.0 Camp of the Mentoring Program took place, with representatives from the PRAVOSVIDOMI team participating. The Chair of the Board, Marina Saenko, and Board Member, Olena Smolyak, attended the camp. The goal of the program is to strengthen the advocacy and other capacities of civil society organizations within the framework of the project “Civil Society Sectoral Support Initiative in Ukraine,” implemented by ISAR YEDNANNIA in consortium with the Ukrainian Independent Center for Political Studies (UNCPD) and the Center for Democracy and Rule of Law (CEDAR), with generous support from the American people provided through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Ukraine.
The camp gathered nearly 60 representatives from active civil society organizations from all corners of Ukraine – from Bakhmut to Mukachevo, from Kyiv to Mykolaiv – united by the common goal of making their contribution to the victory and reconstruction of a strong democratic country with happy and proactive people.
Over the course of three days, we learned, exchanged experiences and success stories, collectively dreamed and planned, and also got acquainted with many passionate individuals who work tirelessly for the benefit of Ukraine and their communities.
Thanks to our participation in the camp, PRAМOSVIDOMI has come several steps closer to implementing our advocacy plan, which we will announce in more detail very soon.
03.06.2023
PRAVOSVIDOMI explained how to get compensation for destroyed housing from the state
On June 2, as part of the Irpin Reconstruction Summit project, during an open webinar, expert explanations on current issues were provided by Daryna Kostyuchyk, a lawyer and a volunteer of the YurShtab Public Organization, and Olena Smolyak, a lawyer and a member of the Board of the PRAVOSVIDOMI.
About state compensation programs for damaged property, such as “YeVidnovlennia” and “VidnovyDim”, as well as the ways of obtaining and the circle of persons who can receive this assistance.
“By using the “YeVidnovlennya” program, you can receive 200,000 hryvnias for one damaged object by submitting an application through the DIYA portal. The received funds can be spent only on goods and services specified by law, and the program has a clearly defined circle of contractors for goods and services. The category of immovable property to which the action applies is Restoration: private houses and apartments (residential premises) in an apartment building, provided that the common areas are renovated.” – noted lawyer, member of the Board of the NGO “PRAVOSVIDOMI” Olena Smolyak.
“Associations of co-owners of multi-apartment buildings (Condominiums), which was created and operating in accordance with the Law of Ukraine “On the association of co-owners of multi-apartment buildings” can become participants in the “VidnovyDim” program. The program finances the costs of windows, facade, roof and engineering systems. Pilot stage of the Program operates on the territory of Zhytomyr, Kyiv, Sumy and Chernihiv regions. Currently, one object can receive up to 7.2 million UAH. The mechanism of the program — the condominium receives 70% of the amount in advance and performs the necessary construction work. After the completion of repairs, 30% costs are subsidized by the Fund,” said Daryna Kostyuchyk, a lawyer and volunteer of the NGO “YurStab”.
As a reminder, in accordance with the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 381 on April 21, 2023, the Procedure for providing compensation for the restoration of certain categories of real estate objects damaged as a result of hostilities, acts of terrorism, sabotage caused by the armed aggression of the russian federation using the electronic public service “YeVidnovlennya” was approved.
More details on IRS YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/LLREl6FzmOs
01.06.2023
PRAVOSVIDOMI is expanding its partner network in the reconstruction processes of Ukraine.
On May 30th, the main event among civil society institutions, the Forum “Outlines of the Future: Victory, Recovery, and Modernization of Ukraine,” took place at the Mystetskyi Arsenal in Kyiv. The forum brought together over 2000 participants, including representatives of civil society organizations in our country (civil and charitable organizations, volunteer initiatives, humanitarian headquarters), international development partners, donors, government officials, media, and business representatives.
“The overall goal of the Forum is to unite and coordinate civil society in developing a joint action plan for victory and recovery, and to align it with other sectors of society, primarily with the state,” explained Volodymyr Sheigus, Executive Director of ISAR Unity. “Therefore, important topics for discussion included advocacy efforts to obtain armed and financial support, countering hybrid aggression, early recovery, social cohesion, and public oversight of the reconstruction process.”
PRAVOSVIDOMI participated in the Forum as the reconstruction of Ukraine and the mental revival of Ukrainians through the awakening of legal consciousness are priority areas of our organization’s activities.
The Forum featured 12 panel discussions, 15 workshop sections and discussions, 19 rounds of conversations with representatives of the civil sector, 12 presentations from donor organizations, screenings of 2 films, as well as 8 exhibitions showcasing art objects, photo exhibits, VR technologies, and more. Around 100 speakers, including thought leaders, took part in speeches, discussions, and workshops.
Understanding the importance of unity around common ideas, PRAVOSVIDOMI signed the Forum’s Resolution, which identifies the establishment of sustainable peace as a key priority for civil society. This entails the necessity of joint actions by Ukraine and international partners for victory, the most reliable guarantees of future security, the restoration of justice, and the transformation of societies. This will provide conditions for the development of people, societies, and nations without oppression or injustice, raising the cost of future threats and aggressions.
More information about the Forum and the Resolution can be found here.
10.05.2023
STRATSESSION DONE!
The NGO “PRAVOSVIDOMI” team conducted a strategic session on organizational development for the civil society organization. The facilitation of this strategic session was provided by the NGO “Institute of Analytics and Advocacy” – the mentoring organization for PRAVOSVIDOMI within the Mentorship Program 4.0, implemented as part of the “Civil Society Sectoral Support Initiative in Ukraine” project (implemented by ISAR Unity in consortium with the Ukrainian Independent Center for Political Studies (UNCPD) and the Center for Democracy and Rule of Law (CEDRL), with generous support from the American people through the United States Agency for International Development – USAID Ukraine).
As a result of the strategic session, our team identified strategic goals in the key areas of organization’s activities – ENLIGHTENMENT and RECONSTRUCTION. Operational objectives were prioritized for each direction, tasks were assigned to ensure the achievement of set goals, and deadlines were set for completing the formulated tasks.
The conduct of the strategic session was an important step in strengthening the organizational capacity of the young NGO “PRAVOSVIDOMI” and will result in an increased potential of our organization to influence important societal processes in the selected areas.
Therefore, with goals defined, tasks allocated, and deadlines set, the activities of “PRAVOSVIDOMI” are gaining momentum!
27.04.2023
PRAVOSVIDOMI JOINED THE DISCUSSION ON THE COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY OF russians
On April 27, 2023, a professional discussion “I demand justice” took place in the well-known “E” chain of bookstores – regarding the prospects of prosecuting russians for military aggression against Ukraine in the context of historical experience and Ukrainian society’s demand for justice. The discussion was organized by the Ukrainian publishing house Komora.
Maryna Sayenko, Head of the Board of the NGO “PRAVOSVIDOMI” was invited to participate in the discussion, who highlighted the issue of the availability of mechanisms in Ukrainian legislation and international law to bring to justice the highest military and political leadership of the aggressor country, the direct executors of illegal orders who commit crimes in Ukraine , as well as the prospects of imposing responsibility on the citizens of the russian federation for inaction and passive tolerance of aggressive behavior on the part of the authorities of their state.
The participants in the discussion, including a historian, a literary critic and a writer, also discussed the world experience of paying reparations to victims of the Nazi and communist regimes and shared their opinions on steps that will help Ukrainians to endure and revive after the war.
The restoration of our country at various levels – from the reconstruction of cities and villages to the revival of our identity through the physical and mental return of Ukrainians to their homes – is a priority task for PRAVOSVIDOMI team and we will continue to make efforts to make this common dream a reality.
You can view the discussion by the link.
07.02.2023
PRAVOSVIDOMI – PARTICIPANTS OF MENTI 4.0.
PRAVOSVIDOMI have passed the competitive selection for participation in the Mentoring Program 4.0. (Menti 4.0.) to strengthen advocacy and other capacities of non-governmental organizations. Menti 4.0 is implemented within the framework of the project “Initiative of sectoral support of the civil society of Ukraine”, which is implemented by the Civil Society Organization “The Initiative Center to Support Social Action “Ednannia” and the Centre for Democracy and the Rule of Law (CEDEM) thanks to the sincere support of the American people, provided through the U.S. Agency for International Development – USAID Ukraine.
Participation in Menti 4.0. will provide an opportunity for our team to receive complex mentoring support for 7 months from the authoritative NGO “Institute of Analytics and Advocacy”, to undergo training and internships to strengthen organizational capabilities, as well as to implement its own advocacy plan.
In addition, we will have the opportunity to exchange experience and expand the partner network in cooperation with 40 other active organizations from different parts of Ukraine, representing various sectors of civil society, and are participants of Menti 4.0.
We believe that participation in the Menti 4.0 program, will allow the PRAVOSVIDOMI team to strengthen its advocacy and institutional capacity.
We invite you to familiarize yourself with the information about the organization that will provide mentoring support via this link.
26.01.2023
PRAVOSVIDOMI JOINED THE IRPIN REBUILDING PROCESS
Last autumn, PRAVOSVIDOMI team together with partners – YURSTAB and Center of Social Communications, started cooperating with the Irpin Reconstruction Summit (IRS) team, the first project in Ukraine during the russian war against Ukraine organized by volunteers, Aimed at the systematic sustainable reconstruction of Irpin and creation of preconditions for post-war reconstruction of other Ukrainian cities.
On January 25, 2023, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Irpin City Council, PRAVOSVIDOMI, and YURSTAB to provide professional legal support for the IRS project and transparent communication between all experts, contractors, communities, and local self-government bodies.
Also, the Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the Center of Social Communications.
Cooperation in the IRS project will enable us, together with our partners, to help Ukraine stand up in the conditions of the armed aggression of the russian federation against Ukraine and to restore on different levels – from the rebuilding of cities and villages to the revival of our identity.
As legal partners of the IRS project, we will make efforts to ensure that the reconstruction process of the city-hero Irpin, which took on one of the main strikes of the invaders and protected the Capital of our Country in spring 2022, will be carried out in compliance with the requirements of Ukrainian legislation, as effectively and transparently as possible. We invite you to get more information about our partners by this link.
07.11.2022
We are registered
On November 7th 2022 The Ministry of Justice of Ukraine officially registered NGO “PRAVOSVIDOMI”.
Now we can officially start our actions.