Kyiv, 23 December 2024 — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, has presented the first unified study on the legal needs of Ukrainian veterans and their families. The research outlines key challenges and proposes concrete solutions to enhance access to legal support.

Among the primary issues faced by veterans are challenges when leaving military service and unpaid wages (56%), difficulties obtaining official status (49%), and problems with social security (39%). A lack of awareness about available legal aid services remains a significant barrier; 74% of the respondents in Chernihiv Oblast cited this as a major obstacle. Women veterans often report greater mistrust in institutions (46%) and negative experiences shared by friends or relatives (34.3%).

After leaving military service, 85% of veterans need information about their rights and entitlements, 80% require assistance with pensions and other social benefits, and 69% need help obtaining official legal status.

The study also highlighted notable gender differences in access to legal aid. Women veterans are more likely to encounter issues related to military discharge (83% compared to 51% of men), obtaining official status (53%), accessing social security (50%), and receiving medical and educational benefits (37%). Additionally, 93% of women veterans require support obtaining legal status, compared to 66% of men, while 77% identified challenging decisions by military units, medical commissions, or government agencies as a priority issue (compared to 55% of men). These findings underscore the heightened need for legal support among women veterans, particularly in matters of official recognition, healthcare, and the protection of their rights.

Veterans’ families also face substantial needs: 88% are seeking information about rights and benefits, 79% require financial assistance, and 76% need help securing official status. For families of deceased service members, the most pressing issues are processing benefits (48%), obtaining death certificates (38%), and accessing financial support (33%).

Alle Dorhout, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Ukraine, emphasized that it is crucial that veterans are not only recognized for their sacrifices but are also given a platform where their voices are heard. “Veterans’ experiences can – and should – help to shape policy decisions that have a direct impact on them,” he added.

Christophoros Politis, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Ukraine, highlighted the importance of supporting veterans’ reintegration at both local and national levels, which remains a priority for UNDP. “Collecting and analysing data on veterans’ needs is an essential step in developing effective support programmes and sound policies,” he said. “These efforts aim to address the challenges veterans encounter and ensure their successful transition to a stable and dignified civilian life.”

The report based on the study’s findings offers a range of practical recommendations to improve access to legal aid. These include simplifying procedures for obtaining veteran status, expediting benefits and payments, creating informational materials for veterans and their families, and launching targeted awareness campaigns to build trust in legal services.

The comprehensive study was prepared by SREO Consulting with the support of UNDP in Ukraine and financial support from the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Media enquiries

Yuliia Samus, Head of Communications, UNDP in Ukraine, yuliia.samus@undp.org