NGO “Responsible Citizens” joined the development of the regional child protection strategy

A meeting of experts took place in Kharkiv to discuss and plan the Strategy for Ensuring Every Child’s Right to Grow Up in a Family Environment for 2025–2028.

This professional discussion brought together the Head of the Coordination Center for the Development of Family-Based Childcare, Iryna Tulyakova, the Head of the UNICEF Office in Ukraine, Jinan Ramadan, over 20 Ukrainian civil society organizations, and representatives of the public sector, including the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration.

💬 “In times of war, children are among the most vulnerable groups, and their safety depends on effective coordination between the state, the civil sector, and international partners. Humanitarian organizations have extensive experience in crisis response, which can be valuable for shaping policies. We are always ready to share our expertise and contribute to the joint implementation of the Strategy. We know how to provide targeted assistance, support families, and establish sustainable protection mechanisms. Such cooperation will help reduce risks for children and ensure them a dignified future,” said Olena Khvatynets, Project Coordinator of CSO “Responsible Citizens” in the Kharkiv region, who participated in the expert discussion.

In 2023–2024, “Responsible Citizens” gained significant experience in providing social support in wartime conditions:
🔺 Over 100,000 people have already received psychosocial assistance through our projects.
🔺 In four eastern regions of Ukraine, 52 mobile teams are continuously operating in 37 communities.
🔺 This work is being carried out in partnership with UNICEF Ukraine.

As a result of the meeting, concrete measures were developed to strengthen support for children in difficult life circumstances. One of the key steps will be the creation of local support programs for families with children in every community.