Uzhhorod, 24 July 2024 — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine and the European Union (EU) supported a regional forum dedicated to exploring opportunities for the reintegration of veterans at community level. The event was held in Uzhhorod at the initiative of the Zakarpattia Oblast Administration.

The forum brought together veterans, veteran public organizations, representatives of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine, and local authorities to discuss reintegration opportunities and define the role of communities in this process. 

According to local authorities, there are currently over 15,000 veterans in Zakarpattia Oblast. The number is expected to grow, indicating a need to improve local aspects of veteran policy. This is essential for ensuring a maximally inclusive process for the return and adaptation of Ukrainian veterans to civilian life after the war.

The two-day forum included panel discussions focused on the role of the state and communities in providing full reintegration opportunities, rehabilitation and psychological support, developing quality social services for veterans in communities, successful implementing veteran policies at community level, and identifying opportunities for the public sector to meet adaptation and reintegration needs.

Stefan Schleuning, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Ukraine, noted that the EU is proud to support this regional forum, as it is promoting community reintegration of veterans. “We believe that such initiatives lay a strong foundation for the effective veteran transition to civilian life,” Mr Schleuning said. “This helps to design and implement quality veteran policies at all levels, based on clear understanding of the needs of veterans and their families.”

Jaco Cilliers, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, stated that UNDP, together with partners, intends to scale up such open platforms and hold them in various regions of Ukraine. “We recognize the immense potential in veterans, which we strive to help develop through various social and economic opportunities, and such forums help us better understand their needs,” Mr Cilliers said.

Background 

The regional forum was organized by the Department of Social Protection of the Population of Zakarpattia Oblast State Administration with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, and financial support from the European Union in the framework of the “EU4Recovery — Empowering Communities in Ukraine” (EU4Recovery) project.

Media enquiries: Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org