How to Support Those Nearby: A Humanitarian Discussion at the Kharkiv Forum
The event “Kharkiv Region: The Power of Law in the Fight for Freedom” was held with the support of the project “Human Rights for Ukraine, Phase II,” implemented by UNDP in Ukraine and funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark. Olena Khvatynets, the regional coordinator of projects for the NGO “Responsible Citizens” in the Kharkiv region, participated in the forum.
“Social and psychological support for the population is not a one-time aid but a consistent presence alongside those in need. In collaboration with UNICEF, we are developing Child-Friendly Spaces where ongoing work is conducted with children, adolescents, and adults. The expertise of our Space specialists is continuously analyzed and integrated into future programs. To enhance our proficiency in child protection, we regularly exchange experiences with colleagues—this is a crucial component of providing high-quality social services to people who particularly need them, especially those facing the consequences of war,” said Olena Khvatynets.
During the forum, participants discussed ways to strengthen social protection, support internally displaced persons (IDPs), and implement comprehensive support programs in the region. Representatives of government authorities, humanitarian organizations, and the human rights community agreed that the right to a dignified life must remain a priority even in the most challenging times. Achieving this mission requires the combined efforts of civil society organizations, communities, and government bodies.
The NGO “Responsible Citizens” will continue its work in the communities of the Kharkiv region to ensure that every child, family, or IDP has access to assistance, attention, and respect for their rights.
Background Information: In the Kharkiv region, the NGO “Responsible Citizens” operates in 13 communities. In 2024, 23,554 children and adults sought support at our Child-Friendly Spaces. Social workers, psychologists, and other specialized professionals regularly visit remote communities in the region. Last year, mobile teams in the Kharkiv region worked with 3,608 families raising 7,957 children.
Більше новин
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A Partnership That Ensures the Sustainability of Humanitarian AssistanceThroughout 2025, the cooperation between the NGO “Responsible Citizens” and Nova Poshta Humanitarian became an important component in delivering aid to frontline communities.
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How the mobile team helped a family from Sloviansk overcome the crisis and find supportThe year 2022 became a year of trials for a family from Sloviansk. The decision to move to the Odesa region to protect their children from danger was not an easy one, but it was necessary. Later, when it became relatively safe in their hometown, the family returned home, despite all the challenges of living in a frontline region.
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Expanding competencies for effective child protectionRegional coordinator Oksana Ivatina completed training under the certified program Creating a Safe Environment for Children: Safety Policy in Organizations, organized by the Ukrainian Child Rights Network and the Center for Human Dignity at the Ukrainian Catholic University.
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“People Must Be at the Center of Recovery”: Enrique Menendez on New Approaches to Supporting CommunitiesThe Director of Projects and Programs of the NGO Responsible Citizens took part in the event “United for Recovery: A Resilient Civil Society — a Strong Ukraine” held in Lviv and organized by our partners from Mercy Corps.
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Over 2 thousand humanitarian aid sets received by residents of Dobropole community“Thanks to the partnership of the NGO “Responsible Citizens” with World Vision International and with funding from Aktion Deutschland Hilft (ADH),...
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A Meeting of UNICEF Partner Organizations Held in KharkivThe NGO “Responsible Citizens,” as a partner of the UNICEF Representation in Ukraine, was invited to participate in a special event at the Yermilov Cent...
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“At the very moment when we needed it most, help came to us,” — Maryna from NovodonetskeThe work is carried out within the framework of the UNICEF Ukraine project “Strengthening Community Capacity to Deliver Essential Protection and Resilience Services in Kharkiv, Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhzhia regions,” implemented by the NGO “Responsible Citizens” with the support of the Government of the United States of America
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Resilience Point in Prykolotne: How a Community in Kharkiv Region Is Strengthening Its Resilience Despite the WarThe project is implemented by the NGO Responsible Citizens in partnership with JERU – Joint Emergency Response in Ukraine (Welthungerhilfe and Concern Worldwide), with financial support from the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund (UHF).