September 5, Ukraine Legal Network hosted a vital roundtable discussion bringing together Ukrainian organizations and our partner, Pax for Peace, to address the pressing challenges faced by civilians affected by the ongoing aggression in Ukraine as well as to explore national tools for supporting victims of Russian aggression.
The meeting focused on the legal and social obstacles within the current compensation procedures for damaged and destroyed properties.
The invited experts from East SOS Charitable Foundation (an NGO established in 2014 with the mission of providing comprehensive support to victims of Russian aggression), highlighted the gaps in current legislation and emphasized the need for more accessible procedures for recognising property ownership and securing compensation. Experts from the East SOS Foundation raised one of the primary concerns about the complexity of the compensation system in Ukraine, which excludes many civilians, particularly those without formal property ownership documentation. The experts highlighted the bureaucratic hurdles many victims face when trying to restore their property rights, often requiring lengthy legal processes.
Marta Spodaryk, a legal aid coordinator at Right to Protection Charitable Fund (a leading Ukrainian charity that advocates for the rights for internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, war-affected, and stateless individuals), also spoke of the challenges for IDPs in navigating bureaucratic processes to claim benefits, such as compensations for destroyed homes; processes for proving that a family member is detained by Russian forces; inheritance cases; housing issues.
During the meeting, participants emphasized the challenges of reintegration for IDPs, particularly regarding employment. It was noted that despite government efforts to stimulate job creation, many IDPs continue to face difficulties in finding meaningful employment and often rely on humanitarian aid. Additionally, psychological support and rehabilitation were highlighted as essential services that need further development to help displaced individuals rebuild their lives. Often, mental health issues can be a major obstacle to finding employment and reintegrating into a new social environment.
Our ULN Project Officer, Olesia Zaiets, emphasized the international community’s efforts to establish a compensation mechanism that ensures Russia pays full reparations to Ukraine in accordance with international law. The Register of Damages of Ukraine represents a unique first step in documenting and recording the damages, losses, and injuries suffered by victims.
Participants recognized the need for more streamlined administrative procedures in Ukrainian legislation to support victims from currently occupied territories who are struggling with the documentation of damages and losses, as well as the recovery of lost ownership documents. Additionally, it is crucial to inform victims about the possibility of utilizing the International Register of Damages for Ukraine.
In closing, the roundtable discussion underscored the importance of continuous work of, civil society organisations and international partners, and their collaboration to address the urgent needs of victims of Russian aggression.
The ULN remains committed to supporting these efforts, fostering dialogue, and advocating for more inclusive and effective solutions for all those impacted by the war.
