Public activists and officials of Chernihiv region strengthen capacity in issues of protection and support of socially vulnerable groups

A training was held in Chernihiv for social service providers, NGO activists, specialists of mobile brigades and social service centers on the protection of IDPs and war victims in local communities.

In the conditions of war in Chernihiv region, the work of public and international organizations to provide assistance to the war-affected population and internally displaced persons has intensified. However, unfortunately, among them there are a large number of people who are undocumented, have been in situations of domestic or gender-based violence, have been in captivity or have suffered from exploitation, including during the occupation, or have been in situations of human trafficking. And it is they who remain unidentified and are unable to receive proper assistance for various reasons.

In addition, there is no coordination between civil society and international organizations and representatives of local governments, the police, and other aid providers.

That is why on October 21, a one-day training was held in Chernihiv for non-specialized service providers, representatives of civil society organizations, specialists from free legal aid departments, representatives of mobile teams, and Chernihiv regional and city social service centers.

The overall goal of the training is to strengthen the capacity of humanitarian partners to identify and refer victims of exploitation, domestic or gender-based violence, and human trafficking, with assistance provided by both local government representatives and civil society organizations to ensure timely, high-quality, and comprehensive assistance.

During the training, the participants clarified for themselves what human trafficking, exploitation, and gender-based violence are, what direct and indirect indicators indicate that a person needs specialized assistance, what assistance can be provided to victims at the state level, where to refer a person for help.

We are sincerely grateful to the participants for their openness during the training, active discussions, case discussions, and identification of victims among their clients who need comprehensive assistance. It is such activities that contribute to establishing cooperation, mapping services, and identifying vulnerable populations in need of assistance.

The activity is taking place within the framework of the project “Rebuilding Communities and Protecting War-Affected Populations in Chernihiv Oblast” with the support of the Press, Education, and Culture Section of the US Embassy in Ukraine.