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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Kharkiv Region: Systematic Psychosocial Support for Children, Families, and CommunitiesIn partnership with UNICEF Ukraine, the NGO “Responsible Citizens” worked simultaneously with several groups: children who had experienced traumatic events, parents who had lost their support resources, and community professionals who themselves were living under constant stress.
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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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Project manager at “Responsible Citizens” NGO receives International Award for Cultural DiplomacyThe award was initiated by the NGO "Grants, Ratings and Nominations" in collaboration with an expert council. It honors individuals and organizations that foster international dialogue and promote a positive image of Ukraine abroad.
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Building team capacity: A social work specialist from Barvinkove becomes a “Parenting Without Stress” programme trainerThe training was the first in a series of sessions organized within the framework of the “PORUCH” project in cooperation with UNICEF Ukraine and the All-Ukrainian Public Center “Volunteer.” Such inter-organizational collaboration strengthens the system of quality psychosocial support at the community level.
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Experts from Responsible Citizens NGO Joined a Workshop on Group Cash Transfers and Community Initiatives in KyivThe event was organized by the Alliance of Ukrainian Civil Society Organizations and the Ukrainian Red Cross in partnership with DCA, JERU – Joint Emergency Response in Ukraine, ZOA, and the Cash Working Group (CWG). The programme covered key aspects of GCT implementation: from targeting and application screening to accountability, risk management, and impact assessment.
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A working meeting held in the Shevchenkivska community as part of the mini-grant competition for initiative groups in Kharkiv regionThe program is implemented by the NGO “Responsible Citizens” within the JERU partnership – Joint Emergency Response in Ukraine, a joint initiative of the international organizations Welthungerhilfe and Concern Worldwide, with financial support from UHF.
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115 kg of Humanitarian Aid for Children in Lozova, Kharkiv RegionNGO Responsible Citizens, together with Humanitarian Nova Poshta, delivered humanitarian aid to the Transit Center in Lozova, Kharkiv region. The aid consisted of kits for psychological support and child development for children forced to leave their homes.