Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
Final Project Report 2015 – 2018 NO ZERO GOOD HEALTH QUALITY GENDER CLEAN WATER POVERTY HUNGER AND WELL-BEING EDUCATION EQUALITY AND SANITATION
AFFORDABLE AND DECENT WORK AND INDUSTRY, INNOVATION REDUCED SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESPONSIBLE CLEAN ENERG Y ECONOMIC GROWTH AND INFRASTRUCTURE INEQUALITIES AND COMMUNITIES CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION
CLIMATE LIFE LIFE PEACE, JUSTICE PARTNERSHIPS ACTION BELOW WATER ON LAND AND STRONG FOR THE GOALS INSTITUTIONS
Victor Munteanu Rustam Pulatov
Programme Manager Community Security and Social Cohesion Component Recovery and Peacebuilding Programme Lead United Nations Development Programme in Ukraine Recovery and Peacebuilding Programme +380 50 404 9520 United Nations Development Programme in Ukraine [email protected] +380 50 800 28 79 [email protected] PROGRAMME : Recovery and Peacebuilding Programme
PROJECT: Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
Project award number: 00084715
Project duration: 2015-2018
Project budget: USD 4,210,612
Project delivery rate: 100%
Project donor: 00555; 00232
Implementing partner: 001981 (UNDP)
Project Outputs: Output 1 – Effective monitoring system established
Output 2 – Effective local governance structures capable of addressing urgent recovery needs are functioning
Output 3 - Reconciliation and restoration of social cohesion among communities, and between commu¬nities and the authorities
Table of Content
6 List of annexes
7 Abbreviations and acronyms
8 Introduction
13 Output 1. Effective monitoring system established
24 Output 2. Effective local governance structures capable of addressing urgent recovery needs are functioning
31 Activity 2.1. Support for the establishment and further functioning of PCs in conflict-affected areas of eastern Ukraine
38 Activity 2.2 Support for the establishment and further functioning of Citizens’ Advisory Bureaus to provide services to population affected by the conflict in eastern Ukraine
43 Activity 2.3 Close the governance gap and enable transition to lasting governance structures
45 Output 3: Reconciliation and restoration of social cohesion among communities and between communities and the authorities
53 Activity 3.1. Support local dialogue and trust building within communities and between them and the authorities through public consultations and hearings
57 Activity 3.2. Support to youth platforms
62 Activity 3.3. Support to local level mediation, conflict resolution and peacebuilding
64 Activity 3.4 Assist the authorities at the local, district and oblast levels to develop conflict-sensitive communication strategies and public awareness approaches to promote positive messages in society
66 Conclusion
68 Lessons learned
70 Results framework
73 Provisonal financial data List of Annexes
Annex 1 Vulnerability and Risk Assessment
Annex 2 PricewaterhouseCoopers Assessment of the institutional capacity of sub-national governmental administrations
Annex 3 Luhansk Oblast Regional Programme on Civil Society Development
Annex 4 Statute of Myrnohrad hromada
Annex 5 Resolution of Local Governance Forum
Annex 6 Citizens’ Advisory Bureau Regulation
Annex 7 Citizens’ Advisory Bureau Code of Ethics
Annex 8 Donetsk Oblast Regional Development Strategy
Annex 9 Luhansk Oblast Regional Development Strategy
Annex 10 Television Programs
Annex 11 Information on the initiatives supported to enhance social cohesion
Annex 12 Informational Brochure for Ambassadors for Peace
Annex 13 Luhansk Oblast Communications Strategy Abbreviations and Acronyms
ATC Amalgamated Territorial Community
ATO Anti-Terrorist Operation
CAB Citizens’ Advisory Bureau
CSO Civil Society Organization
GCA Government Controlled Area
IDP(s) Internally Displaced Person(s)
IOM International Organization for Migration
M&E Monitoring and Evaluation
NGCA Non-Government Controlled Area
NGO Non-Governmental Organization
PC Public Council
PwC PricewaterhouseCoopers
RPA Recovery and Peacebuilding Assessment
RPP Recovery and Peacebuilding Programme
SCORE Social Cohesion and Reconciliation Index
UAH Ukrainian hryvnia
UN OCHA United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
UNDP United Nations Development Programme
UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund
USE UN SCORE for Eastern Ukraine Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
Introduction
The outbreak of the armed Around 1.7 million people have Moreover, the conflict resulted conflict in eastern Ukraine ne- moved out of the conflict-af- in a geographic relocation of gatively affected the country’s fected area, with over 800,000 regional administrations, as the socio-economic and political now residing permanently in new civil-military administra- development, significantly re- the Government Controlled tions for Donetsk and Luhansk duced the level of social co- Areas (GCA) of Donetsk and oblasts were re-established in hesion and, most importantly, Luhansk oblasts. An estimat- cities in the government-con- disrupted local governments’ ed two-thirds of the internally trolled areas (Kramatorsk and capacity to effectively address displaced persons (IDPs) are Severodonetsk respectively). public needs. Social fragmen- women and children, who were In light of this, the most press- tation, prejudices, regional di- forced to leave their homes in ing issues requiring urgent ac- vides, and low levels of trust search of safety and better liveli- tion have been consolidation in authorities and institutions hood opportunities1. Therefore, of governance structures, and existed long before the crisis addressing the needs of IDPs strengthening their administra- but have been considerably ag- by providing them with adviso- tive and institutional capacities gravated by the ongoing con- ry support for registering their to more effectively address so- flict in Donetsk and Luhansk places of residence, facilitating cio-economic and security chal- oblasts. their integration into host com- lenges and provide timely and munities, obtaining social bene- quality public services. The situation was exacerbated fits and pensions, and receiving by military action, which in- psychological help remains one creased the feeling of insecuri- of the key priorities to address ty in the population, especially on an ongoing basis. among persons living near the ‘contact line’.
1 UN OCHA Humanitarian Needs Overview,
available at: https://bit.ly/2Jgf9
8 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
Moreover, as the regional ad- It should also be noted that The armed conflict, along with ministrations are continuing women are disproportionately socio-economic challenges, the to operate as civil-military ad- affected by the conflict due to deficit in governance structures, ministrations under special persistent gender inequality gender inequality, and the lack legislation, and lack elected in- and discrimination, and en- of avenues to engage youth in stitutions in the form of Oblast trenched gender stereotypes local action have diminished Councils, enhancing their every- that emphasise men as protec- social cohesion, which was al- day interaction with citizens tors and heroes, and on women ready weak from years of di- and civil society continues to as caring supporters. vergent and politically charged be an essential issue to be ad- narratives and wide pre-exist- dressed. As local government is The lack of adequate social sup- ing divides between political the level closest to citizens, in- port services has resulted in an elites and the general public. creased public participation in increased burden on women for local policy making is required, the care of children, the sick, el- as well as monitoring of policy derly persons, persons with dis- implementation. abilities and other family mem- bers. This situation has required the local authorities to immedi- ately address the needs of wom- en and members of vulnerable groups by providing them with high quality public services and, most importantly, by develop- ing sustainable mechanisms to ensure their inclusion in the de- velopment and implementation of local policies.
9 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
Introduction
Therefore, advocacy and invest- To address the aforementioned To this end, the project’s inter- ment continues to be needed in critical challenges and to sup- ventions were built around the a narrative that gives the local port governance and reconcilia- following concrete outputs: population hope of a brighter tion in crisis-affected communi- 1. Establishment of an effec- future and proposes ways of ties, the UNDP has implemented tive monitoring system maximizing opportunities to the “Restoration of Governance that helps to estimate the mobilize people and ensure the and Reconciliation in Crisis-Af- scale and depth of the crisis support of affected communi- fected Communities of Ukraine” to form the needed basis for ties for further reforms. project that was financially sup- targeted development inter- ported by the governments of ventions and monitoring of Strong emphasis must be Sweden and Switzerland. The their effectiveness; placed on launching dialogue project’s fundamental objec- among youth residing in differ- tives were to provide expert and 2. Expert and technical assis- ent areas of Ukraine to speak to technical assistance for building tance to building effective one another, strengthen bonds, capable, accountable and re- local governance institu- explore similarities and over- sponsive local governance in- tions not only to guarantee come stereotypes, in order to stitutions in both Donetsk and a speedier reconstruction enhance social cohesion and Luhansk oblasts to effectively and ways for economic re- coexistence at a critical time for address grievances generated covery, but to ensure contin- Ukraine and its future. by the conflict, and to enhance uous delivery of high quality social cohesion by improving and inclusive public services the quality of relationships to local communities and among various social groups improve the public trust to- and between the general public wards their capacity in pro- and state authorities. viding protection of peoples’ rights and interests by ensur- ing that systemic consulta- tion mechanisms are in place and operational;
10 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
3. Provision of support to The RPP was designed to com- Setting a long-term, integrated reconciliation and resto- bine efforts across several are- agenda for strengthening gov- ration of social cohesion as, and successful implementa- ernance capacity at regional, among communities as well tion of the programme itself is district and local levels makes as between communities contributing greatly to mitigat- current recovery interventions and the authorities to guar- ing mounting risks, and man- more robust, sustainable, in- antee greater social inclu- aging increasing challenges in clusive and responsive; con- siveness, civic participation, the areas most affected by the tributes to restoring trust in inter-communal tolerance conflict. government and rebuilding le- as well as social mobility as gitimacy; and further enhances a basis to equality of oppor- social cohesion and senses of tunity. security in affected communi- ties, thus reducing potential for The project was integrated conflict. into the comprehensive UNDP Recovery and Peacebuilding Programme (RPP), a unifying programmatic framework for six development projects fund- ed by seven international part- ners.
11 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
12 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
Output 1
Effective monitoring system established
13 E cient planning, monitoring and in eastern Ukraine to design determined by the Recovery and evaluation are vital for addressing actions re ecting the needs of Peacebuilding Assessment (RPA) development needs by establish- local counterparts, ranging conducted jointly by the European ing clear links between past, from local authorities to civil Union, the United Nations and the present and future initiatives. society organizations but, most World Bank Group, in partnership Having e ective monitoring and importantly, to ordinary with the Government of Ukraine. citizens and vulnerable groups evaluation systems in place can Displacement, fear and increasingly who continue to su er the help extract lessons learned that low levels of con dence are most from the ongoing armed could be used for programmatic widespread social problems and con ict in eastern Ukraine; ne-tuning, reorientation and hardships of those living in the future planning. The value of a • Update, prioritize and con ict-a ected areas. While social monitoring system is that it sequence recovery interven- fragmentation, bias, regional tions on a regular basis as the supplies data and insights not only disagreements, and low levels of tuation evolves; on trends in project progress itself, trust in authorities and institutions but also on broader economic and • Obtain regular feedback on existed before the crisis, they inten- social development in the regions progress made towards achiev- si ed because of the con ict, that will allow the longterm impact ing project goals and objec- particularly in the most crisis- of interventions to be evaluated. tives; and a ected regions of Donetsk and • Evaluate the e ciency and Luhansk. 2 Achieving development results is e ectiveness of interventions much more di cult than often to determine the extent of the Surveys on the Vulnerability imagined, especially in a fragile and changes made and realign Risk Assessment for Ukraine frequently changing con ict actions to ensure sustainability were conducted by GfK Ukraine, environment. Large-scale program- of the results in order to enhance local governance with nancial support from mes, projects and massive nancial structures and restore social UNDP’s “Strengthening Ukraine’s resources are not enough to ensure cohesion. Emerging Modernization and that development outcomes that Innovation” Project. Those will result in improvement of The project monitoring system was results helped to create an initial people’s lives will ultimately be established on the basis of the monitoring system for the achieved. The quality of the initial Vulnerability and Risk “Restoration of Governance and interventions, their design, how Assessment to obtain accurate Reconciliation in Crisis-A ected well the resources are planned and baseline data for monitoring overall Communities of Ukraine” Project whether they truly re ect the real perceptions of the existing by establishing reliable baseline state of a airs are crucial factors problems among Ukrainians and data, which in turn helped to behind a project’s successful imple- the population’s vulnerability in the identify the needs and target mentation. crisis (Please see Annex 1, Vulner- areas for its interventions. ability and Risk Assessment). Bearing this in mind, this project has designed and established a The armed con ict in eastern special monitoring system to: Ukraine has had a direct and severe 2 Recovery and Peacebuilding Assessment avail- • Receive objective data from impact on social cohesion, public able at: http://www.un.org.ua/images/docu- and assessment of the situation security and the rule of law – as ments/3737/V1-RPA_Eng_Vol1.pdf
14 To better understand the context and ensure e ective planning for enhancing and restoring social cohesion among various groups, the project supported the use of a comprehensive analytical assess- ment tool, the United Nations Social Cohesion and Reconcilia- tion Index for Eastern Ukraine (USE), based on the methodology of the Social Cohesion and Recon- ciliation Index (SCORE), developed by the Cyprus Centre for Sustain- able Peace and Democratic Devel- SCORE interview process, May 14, 2017. opment (SeeD) and UNDP. The Photo: UNDP Ukraine SCORE Index has been previously used in a number of con ict house-Coopers LLC (PwC), as a benchmark and the starting contexts elsewhere to more conducted an assessment of the point for a monitoring system to precisely assess the level of social institutional capacities of the design project activities aimed at cohesion and to subsequently Donetsk and Luhansk oblast fostering inclusiveness, responsive- develop the most appropriate administrations as well as 15 ness, transparency and account- interventions to boost cohesion municipal governmental authori- ability in the local governance and propensity for reconciliation. ties. The data obtained have served structures.
As mentioned above, the armed USE is an inter-agency initiative, jointly implemented by three UN con ict in eastern Ukraine entities – UNDP, IOM and UNICEF. The rst and second waves of the negatively a ected and put consid- USE survey were funded by the UN, with a nancial contribution from erable pressure on the ability of the EU. The “Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis- local governance structures to A ected Communities of Ukraine” Project, funded by Sweden and address socio-economic challenges Switzerland, supported early piloting of the survey and subsequent and meet public needs. For a better regional stakeholder consultations. USE results were also used to and more complete understand- monitor the long-term e ects of development interventions within ing of this issue, the project, in the framework of UNDP's Recovery and Peacebuilding Programme. co-operation with Pricewater-
15 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
I. Vulnerability and Risk Assessment
The “Restoration of Governance hesion severely disrupted by the and Reconciliation in Crisis-Af- armed conflict in eastern Ukraine. fected Communities of Ukraine” project began in 2015, when the Moreover, the research was also situation required an immediate instrumental in providing reliable response combined with a com- data on socio-economic vulner- prehensive approach to recov- ability and related institutional ery, reconstruction, and peace- capacities in Ukraine. The study building that had to be flexible, aimed to identify risks and vul- adaptive and responsive to the nerabilities in Ukrainian society, evolving needs of local popula- and to determine the factors that tion. Because of the instability of can worsen the situation in the the situation, regular and accu- country. rate monitoring was required of how Ukrainians perceived their The total sample for each wave problems by Ukrainians and how constituted of 5,000 respondents vulnerable the population was in including, IDPs living in collective the persisting crisis. Thus, the in- settlements (500 respondents), formation received and analysed IDPs living in separate households through the Vulnerability and Risk (500 interviews), the population of Assessment played an important the government-controlled and role in ensuring well-informed non-government-controlled areas decision making, not only by the of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts project itself but also by the Gov- (1,000 respondents each), and ernment of Ukraine and other in- the general population of Ukraine ternational partners involved in (2,000 respondents). The survey implementing activities related included two waves: the first wave to recovery and peacebuilding, of the survey was carried out in restoring local governance struc- June-July 2015 and the second tures and enhancing social co- wave in November 2015: this en-
16 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
abled the changes that took place council increased from 19 per • The proportion of Ukrainians during this period to be assessed cent to 24 per cent. The level who indicated tension between and the interventions to be adjust- of distrust in the mayor/ head locals and IDPs in their set- ed to achieve a greater impact. of the village council and the tlement fell from 18 per cent local council fell, but still the to 14 per cent. However, the Major findings plurality of citizens distrusted share of those who agreed with of the assessment these institutions. These find- the statement that “IDPs have ings suggested for a need for different values from those of The Vulnerability and Risk Assess- stakeholders to be assisted to people from our region” in- ment highlighted the following restore governance structures, creased from 29 per cent to 33 strategic focus areas that have provide overall policy guidance, per cent. Although a plurality of formed the basis for project’s tar- mobilize human and financial IDPs reported positive attitudes geted assistance: resources to address the exist- towards host communities ing challenges and establish (43 per cent of IDPs in collec- • Low level of trust in the work public feedback mechanisms; tive settlements and 44 per of central and local authorities. cent among IDPs in separate The residents of the gov- • Low satisfaction among the households), the proportion ernment-controlled areas of respondents with public servic- of IDPs who reported negative Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts es provided meant that most attitudes increased (from 8 per were most often concerned respondents, especially IDPs in cent to 14 per cent and from 7 about the inefficiency of the collective settlements as well per cent to 12 per cent respec- central authorities of Ukraine as IDPs in separate households (48 per cent mentioned this were not inclined to approach tively, while others reported problem) and the vulnerability public institutions such as the neutral attitude or could not of the general public to arbi- Pension Fund (20 per cent answer). The percentage of IDPs trariness from the state author- and 19 per cent respectively) in separate households who ities (45 per cent). During the and other public institutions. reporting certain offences or second wave of the survey the The data provided indicates harassment from local residents importance of the problem of that the crisis has negatively increased from 29 per cent to the general public being able affected the very ability of the 37 per cent. These numbers to influence the situation in the public institutions to provide suggest an urgent necessity country increased from 20 per the social services needed for the project to engage in cent to 35 per cent. Unlike the because of the absence of interventions that would facili- general Ukrainian population relevant standards and the tate and create open dialogue and IDPs, this target audience ongoing lack of civil servants. platforms between IDPs and was concerned about West- The situation was further host communities, and in gen- ern interference in Ukrainian exacerbated by shortages of eral between various groups affairs (25 per cent) rather than space and technical equipment in the society, especially youth about Russian interference in to cope with ever-increasing who as the future generation Ukrainian affairs (17 per cent). demand for social services and should talk, trust each other The proportion that trusted protection, not least because and participate in community the mayor/ head of the village of the high influx of IDPs; development.
17 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
II. Eastern Ukraine Social Cohesion and Reconciliation Index
As mentioned above, the armed The first USE wave, which was conflict in eastern Ukraine had a completed in October 2017, highly negative impact on social captured the views of some cohesion, which in many ways 10,000 people residing in the five serves as a glue to hold societies oblasts. Specifically, it comprised together and is fundamental in a face-to-face survey of 5,300 re- community mobilization and de- spondents members of the gen- velopment. Project interventions eral public; a school survey of to strengthen social cohesion in 3,300 pupils in Donetsk and Lu- conflict-affected areas of Ukraine hansk oblasts; 72 in-depth inter- were designed using an evi- views; and a face-to-face survey dence-based approach, informed of 1,500 people residing in the thanks to the support provided non-government controlled are- for preparing the UN Social Co- as who commute to the govern- hesion Index for Eastern Ukraine ment-controlled areas across the (USE). five checkpoints in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts. The USE is a sophisticated analyt- ical tool designed to improve un- Major findings of the assessment: derstanding of societal dynamics The results obtained give the in the five eastern oblasts of Dni- overall indicator of social cohe- pro, Donetsk, Kharkiv, Luhansk, sion in the five eastern oblasts and Zaporizhzhia. USE helps to of Ukraine at 6.6, above the the- identify strategic entry points for oretical median score of 5 out of policies and programmes that 10. The essence of this outcome contribute to strengthening so- is disclosed through its com- cial cohesion. USE is jointly imple- ponents: friendly relations with mented by three United Nations neighbours, social exclusion and agencies: UNDP, UNICEF, and IOM. openness to different groups of
18 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
society.3 At the same time, the This analysis suggests that so- • Building networks and fa- level of non-violent civic engage- cial cohesion is ensured by close cilitating inclusive dialogue ment activity is very low in all neighbourly relations, while in platforms among different ac- eastern oblasts, with an average the broader institutional space tors, especially youth, to build value in the region of 0.3. of communities, people are not better social ties and strength- ready to be active, do not believe en tolerance and respect for Analysis of the results identifies in their ability to influence deci- diversity – a key determinant of three main reasons for the low sions and do not feel the need for conflict resolution and peace- level of citizen engagement. citizen participation. building. This was especially The first is the continuing wide- important in a situation char- spread beliefs among inhabitants These findings have served as a acterized by fragile intercom- of eastern Ukraine that the au- benchmark for identifying and munal trust, lack of a sense of thorities do not involve citizens prioritizing interventions to en- belonging and a disinclination in decision-making processes hance social cohesion. The so- to engage in civic participation; and do not properly respond to cial cohesion work stream has • Launch of a grant scheme to the needs of citizens. The second also provided opportunities for support various civil society is lack of information (i.e. citizens learning and knowledge sharing initiatives to enhance social are not well informed about what to improve the understanding cohesion and build trust in and decisions are taken by local coun- and perception of communities within communities; cils and other local authorities). across Ukraine about other com- The third is that people believe munities (East-West Dialogue). It • Development of conflict-sen- social activism takes a lot of time. has also stimulated and informed sitive communication strate- the overall discourse on the coun- gies and plans to communicate Analysis of the level of trust in try’s future development. positively regarding tolerance, authorities and social institutions The line of work included the fol- reconciliation and recovery and makes it easier to understand why lowing major areas: to build public trust in the work people are reluctant to partici- of local authorities; and • Fostering cooperation and pate in policy- and decision-mak- exchange of best practices ing. Despite the fact that people • Enhancing youth civic en- between various groups and trust local authorities and social gagement through program- authorities as a key prerequi- institutions much more than cen- ming that recognizes its role as site for mutual contacts and tral authorities, the level of trust peace ambassadors, including dialogue on challenges to in the authorities is generally low. support for development of societal development; Distrust in authorities can dis- youth leadership skills, civic ed- courage people from interacting ucation, human rights training with the institutions representing and volunteerism. them and working for them.
3 Social Cohesion and Reconciliation (SCORE) Index for Eastern Ukraine, Social Cohesion and a Sense of Belonging. Available at http:// use.scoreforpeace.org/files/publication/pub_ file/13/SocialConnectednessAndBelonging_ UKR.pdf (in Ukrainian)
19 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
III. PwC assessment of the institutional capacities of sub-national governmental administrations
Support for local governance a. assessing the oblast and mu- and local government functions nicipal governments’ current in conflict-affected areas of east- functions, institutional structures, ern Ukraine is critical, not only to staffing needs, desired capacities, guarantee faster reconstruction and local budgets (including anal- and economic recovery and con- ysis of expenditure and needs, as tinuous delivery of social and oth- well as revenue sources and fiscal er services to local communities issues); and and IDPs alike, but also to improve public trust in the capacities of b. identifying areas for improve- the authorities to play their role of ment related to internal opera- ensuring protection of the rights tions and customer service. PwC of citizens, including the most gathered data for this analysis by vulnerable, and reducing ineq- interviewing employees and re- uity between Ukrainian regions. viewing internal documentation. Improved state-society relations remain the best contribution that Major findings local governance can make to re- covery and peacebuilding. of the assessment In its assessment, PwC identified To identify strategic entry points a number of findings which, if for interventions on governance not addressed, could have affect- constraints at both oblast and ed the administrations’ abilities municipal level and to help re- to meet their goals and fully ad- store and improve their function- dress the needs of their employ- ality for policy making, general ees and clients in the post-con- administration and service deliv- flict context. ery, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLC (PwC) was tasked with:
20 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
They include the following: • Calculation of budget trans- This information was used not fers does not consider all the only to assess the current state • Increased inflow of IDPs to the implications of decentralization of the target administrations but two oblasts generates a need reform and current needs in most importantly to identify are- to build substantial capacity to the two oblasts caused by the as for project interventions and offer real-time quality services; ongoing conflict; potential improvement. (Please • Limited access to essential refer to Annex 2 for the full PwC • The lack of a structured ap- public and administrative ser- report). proach to building dialogue vices is a developing problem with communities enhances in the two oblasts and is one of the power distance between Key output the reasons for the chronically local government and the tense atmosphere in society; achievements general public; The project began in eastern • Fragmentation of hard infra- Ukraine in 2015 under continuing structure near the ‘contact line’ • On-going decentralization heavy security constraints, and makes it not sustainable to use; reform is empowering commu- nities but is increasing admin- faced shortages of information • Cities in the Anti-Terrorist Op- istrative uncertainty at local and entry points with regards to eration Zone face a number of level; the development agenda. Nev- challenges with their economic ertheless, through the project a • Non-formalized internal proce- development and so the situa- monitoring system was designed dures and policies lead to dis- tion in them is not the same as and baseline data obtained on cretionary powers and unjusti- elsewhere in the two oblasts; local governance issues as well fied utilization of resources; • Recovery efforts at local as on social cohesion through level are focussing mainly on • The transition to new electron- the conducting of surveys and as- immediate needs rather than ic procurement and reporting sessments. The Vulnerability and following a strategic approach; systems is uneven and faces a Risk Assessment, the United Na- number of technical, procedur- tions SCORE for Eastern Ukraine • Insufficient focus on business al, and administrative issues; (USE) and the PwC assessment community involvement puts of the institutional capacities of stable regional economic de- • Local administrations are sub-national governmental ad- velopment at risk; underperforming because ministrations have each played of ineffective organizational • The lack of long-term thinking crucial roles in ensuring that pro- structures and lack of human among administrations pre- ject activities were not designed resources and material assets; vents a realistic development on an ad hoc basis but were needs-based, and geared towards approach and leads to incoher- • The predominance of formal, achievement of sustainable and ent resource planning; written means of communi- nationally owned results. cation between government • Poor asset management results levels undermines its effective- in financial and operational ness. ineffectiveness among local government authorities at both power levels;
21 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
22 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
Output 2
Effective local governance structures capable of addressing urgent recovery needs are functioning
23 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
The armed conflict in eastern This has had disproportionately The hardship and challenges the Ukraine led to the need for urgent serious consequences for poorer state institutions have faced in humanitarian as well as develop- households, the displaced and delivering social services, in re- ment interventions. In addition other vulnerable and conflict- storing government infrastruc- to the loss of thousands of lives, ed affected groups that require ture and assets, and in mobilizing the displacement of millions of critical services, whether social, financial and human resources to civilians, and the destruction administrative, legal and or psy- meet the urgent recovery needs of critical infrastructure and es- chological aid. The situation was have resulted in a lack of public sential livelihood opportunities, further exacerbated by shortages trust in the work and credibili- the conflict negatively affected of space and equipment and the ty of the governance structures. the very ability of the local gov- complete reallocation of admin- The situation was further wors- ernance structures to effectively istrative offices from the areas ened by the lack of citizen-state address pressing public needs. worst affected by conflict, leaving interaction, due to the absence of According to 2015 Recovery and behind a large number of people consultation mechanisms and di- Peacebuilding Assessment (RPA), in need of protection. alogue platforms through which conducted with the support of civil society institutions can par- the United Nations, the European As mentioned above, the conflict ticipate in needs assessment, Union and the World Bank, half of also led to reallocation of regional planning and implementation all local administrative buildings administrative centres. Adminis- of recovery responses, promote in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts trations were split between those public interests and contribute have suffered some level of dam- that remained in the NGCA under in a democratic manner to deci- age, and some infrastructure in the control of the de facto author- sion-making processes. areas very close to the ‘contact ities in Luhansk and Donetsk, and line’ have been destroyed com- the new civil-military administra- To address these major challeng- pletely. Apart from infrastructur- tions under the Government of es, the project designed the fol- al damage, the crisis has also led Ukraine. This has put them un- lowing intervention logic, leading to a significant decrease in civil der immense pressure to rapidly to a series of achievements and servants (in some instances, only build institutional frameworks systemic changes. 20 per cent of staff positions are to address the societal and con- filled; in other cases, a one-third of flict-related challenges as well as the staff are present in the oblast participate in national public re- administration, and city councils form processes, including decen- and oblast administrations only tralization. have 78 per cent of the staff they normally require).4
4 Recovery and Peacebuilding Assessment avail-
able at: http://www.un.org.ua/images/docu-
ments/3737/V1-RPA_Eng_Vol1.pdf
24 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
1. Ensuring the accessibility of social services to address pressing needs
Urgently supporting the efforts Key achievement of local authorities to provide es- sential social services lay at the Establishment and operational core of alleviating the suffering support for the functioning of of conflict-affected persons and seven Citizens’ Advisory Bureaus rebuilding citizens’ trust in state (CABs) to fill a gap in the capac- institutions. The adverse effects of ity of Ukrainian authorities to conflict-inflicted damage are dis- provide administrative, psycho- proportionately borne by poorer logical and legal aid services to households, the displaced, and the population in need. To date, other vulnerable and conflict-af- the Centres have provided over fected groups. Continuous pro- 55,000 services and organized a vision of the most needed social series of field consultations in re- services was therefore essential mote locations along the ‘contact for societal normalization and line’, covering 285 cities, towns stabilization of crisis-affected ar- and villages in Donetsk and Lu- eas, and to create the conditions hansk oblasts. needed for further development.
Number of consultations provided by CABs in Donetsk and 21788 Luhansk oblasts (by type of service)
15634 Total 13539 Women 10412 10112 9416 IDPs 6537 5776 5577 3681 4795 4452 2654 1772
Legal Psychological Administrative Hotline NGCA
25 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
2. Enhancing local authorities’ interaction with civil society to further advance public needs
As mentioned above, local gov- This situation led to an urgent ne- ernment is the level closest cessity to rebuild the formal chan- to citizens and this proximity nels of citizens’ engagement in local should lead to an enhanced lev- decision-making processes, with a el of citizen participation in lo- particular focus on advancing the cal decision-making processes. interests of the most vulnerable However, despite the relatively groups affected by the conflict. high number of civil society or- Local development planning pro- ganizations registered in eastern cesses that are based on inclusive Ukraine (1,500 in Donetsk Oblast dialogue and promote transparen- and 1,999 in Luhansk Oblast), cy will facilitate trust between local evidence on the ground pointed authorities and communities. to limited interaction with local authorities, whether in the joint Key achievements development of programmes, amendments to certain by-laws • The project contributed or proper monitoring of their to the implementation of implementation and the issuing Ukraine’s National Strategy of follow-up recommendations. on Civil Society Development The conflict resulted in further 2016-2020. This was reached dramatic decrease in civil society through expert support to cooperation with the state insti- Donetsk Oblast Administration tutions, as exemplified by the ab- in launching an action plan for sence of an institutional basis in the development of the civil the form of the elected officials or society sector at the oblast Oblast Councils that existed prior level. The action plan includes to the conflict. a series of activities aimed at enhancing civil society’s cooperation with the local authorities;
26 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
Brainstorming session of Mariupol PC members on building effective partnership with local authorities, April 2017, Mariupol. Photo: UNDP Ukraine
• Support was also provided to • Support was provided for the – Prepare and submit Luhansk Oblast Administration establishment and further proposals to local self- to elaborate its Regional functioning of Public Councils government bodies on Programme on Civil Society (PCs) in Donetsk and Luhansk major issues of public Development 2017-2020, oblasts to: concern, including public which also includes an action – Serve as consultative and opinion on draft by-laws plan with concrete activities, advisory bodies to foster and local development responsible parties and citizens’ participation in programmes under budgetary expenses. The the development and discussion as well as on Programme served as another implementation of state how to combat corruption; important impetus towards policies; and strengthening civil society’s – Increase public oversight – Maintain regular dialogue constructive and structural of the activities of the with the public to keep it interaction with the authorities executive bodies in the informed of PC activities to transmit public interests. targeted communities; and receive further (Please refer to Annex 3 to see feedback. the Programme’s full text)
27 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
Public Councils’ fully functional and capacitated PCs capable of 24 constructively engaging with the local authorities on achievements matters of public concern and interest; in Donetsk active PC members selected on the basis of clear selection Oblast 481 criteria and procedures;
women members to encourage their better participation 201 and inclusion in the public policy agenda;
commissions created by the PCs to tackle thematic 51 issues;
socio-economic, policy and development programmes 79 reviewed;
consultations held with the wider public to discuss various 65 socio-economic concerns and community development;
recommendations developed and submitted to local 312 executive institutions to take further actions reflecting public needs and interests.
Public Councils’ fully functional and capacitated PCs in a position to 15 constructively engage with authorities to promote public achievements concerns; in Luhansk active PCs members selected on the basis of clear Oblast 203 selection criteria and procedures;
women members to encourage their better participation 91 and inclusion in the public policy agenda;
commissions created by the PCs to tackle thematic 17 issues;
socio-economic, policy and development programmes 60 reviewed;
consultations held with the wider public to discuss 30 various socio-economic concerns and community development;
recommendations developed and submitted to local 141 executive institutions to take further actions reflecting public needs and interests.
28 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
3. Support to addressing governance gaps in eastern Ukraine
The armed conflict in eastern • Overburdened administrative PC achievements in Oblast: Ukraine created massive chal- and social services as a result lenges with regard to building an of the conflict (IDPs and so on); efficient system of governance and capable of addressing a number • Outdated local socioeconomic of urgent recovery issues, in the development strategies that socio-economic, environmental, did not reflect the current budgetary, land, housing and realities. energy fields among others. The following set of major challenges To address these major draw- were faced by all local govern- backs and close the governance ance structures: gap, the project engaged a num- • Lack of staff and difficulty ber of experts in various areas to employing personnel immediately support the work competent to perform the of both oblast and municipal ad- expected tasks; ministrations.
• Poor and obsolete material base (e.g. information technology hardware and software) for effective delivery of public services;
• Restricted local budgets (falling revenues and the additional expenses related to IDPs);
29 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
Key achievements
• Engagement of 11 advisors at Donetsk and Luhansk Oblast Administrations to address governance gaps with regard to information management, legal matters, decentralization, European integration, international cooperation and issues related to governance transparency and accountability. Local Governance Forum, Sviatohirsk, November 2017. • Engagement of 33 experts Photo: UNDP Ukraine to 15 municipal councils in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts – introducing evaluation – localization of the on strategic planning, energy, tools to assess the Sustainable Development human resources, budgeting, quality of the social and Goals to align local housing, public relations, administrative services development programmes fundraising, legal issues, delivered; to the international investment and other issues. – formalization of the development agenda. • Assessment of the procedure of strategic • Expert support for updating institutional capacities of planning and developing Regional Development Luhansk and Donetsk Oblast results-oriented strategic Strategies of Donetsk and Administrations as well as 15 plans; Luhansk oblasts followed up municipal administrations – introduction of a project- by elaboration and adoption to identify and analyse based approach within of implementation plans governance structures. The administrations. To ensure that outline concrete actions, assessment was followed up by practical implementation responsible parties and elaboration of a concrete set of of the aforementioned budgetary resources required. key recommendations on: recommendations, it – organizational was also advised that restructuring of the comprehensive monitoring targeted municipal and evaluation of strategic administrations in line with and operational tasks the organizational plans be introduced based developed; on concrete indicators, responsible parties, actions taken and actions required; and
30 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
Activity-based Reporting
Creation of the civil-military Thus, in designing its activities, Activity 2.1. oblast administrations in Donetsk the project heavily emphasised Support for the and Luhansk oblasts was coupled launching systemic and institu- establishment with the dismissal of regional-lev- tionalized cooperation between and further el elected Councils. This created civil society actors and local au- functioning of a huge gap in public interaction thorities. This has resulted in the Public Councils with the authorities. Moreover, following: despite the overall high number in conflict- • Expert support to Donetsk of registered civil society organi- Oblast Administration affected areas zations (CSOs) in Donetsk (1,500) to elaborate, adopt and of eastern and Luhansk (1,999) oblasts, only implement a Regional Action Ukraine 12.7 per cent of them are active Plan for implementation of CSOs which are able to fulfil their Ukraine’s National Strategy key functions, i.e. provide servic- on Civil Society Development es, conduct advocacy and pub- 2016-2020. The Plan includes lic monitoring and control, and a concrete set of activities preserve civic values and social aimed at fostering civil society capital development (in particu- interaction with the authorities lar, trust and mutual support) be- in planning, adoption and tween members of the communi- monitoring of regional public ty and society. policies;
These “active” CSOs are limited in their advocacy and monitoring work by the lack of quality stand- ards for citizens’ participation at the local level.
31 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine Public Councils
• Expert support was also These documents have come to Donetsk oblast has 24 PCs under *Public Councils are With UNDP support, 39 provided to Luhansk Oblast serve as important illustrations the Donetsk Oblast Administration: consultative and advisory Public Councils have been created communities Avdiivka Local Council, Bakhmut or initiated in Administration to develop its of regional and local authorities’ entities created to foster 39 communities in Donetsk and Local Council, Dobropillya Local Regional Programme on Civil commitment to engage public citizens' participation in Luhansk oblasts. 57% Council, Druzhkivka Local Coun- the development, Society Development for 2017- organizations in the design and cil, Kostyantynivka Local Council, Public Councils comprise 684 684 2020. This programme includes implementation of local policies, implementation and Kramatorsk Local Council, Lyman members of civic organizations members a number of essential measures contributing to their legitimacy Local Council, Myrnohrad Local monitoring of public of civic (43 per cent women). 43% organizations aimed at consolidating in the eyes of the public. In this Council, Novogrodivka Local Coun- policies. civil society institutions to regard, PCs have played a leading cil, Pokrovsk Local Council, Selidove Local Council, Sloviansk Local Coun- actively engage in building role in identifying and bringing cil, Bakhmut Rayon State Adminis- Troitske effective, transparent and forward public interests for the tration, Dobropillya Rayon State Ad- accountable governance creation and implementation of ministration, Kostyantynivka Rayon structures in Luhansk Oblast. socio-economic programmes and State Administration, Mangush Ray- Markivka Novopskov The programme also includes projects. on State Administration, Nikolske Bilokurakine Milove an assessment of the cost of Rayon State Administration, Olek- sandrivka Rayon State Administra- implementation (2,610,000 To date, 39 PCs have been cre- Svatove tion, Sloviansk Rayon State Admin- UAH); ated with 684 members across Starobilsk Bilovodsk istration, Velikonovoselkivka Rayon Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts. • Expert support to State Administration and Yasynuva- With active support from the targeted hromadas (local ta Rayon State Administration. Kreminna Novoaidar project they have been able to Rubizhne administrations) to develop Lyman Severodonetsk elaborate and submit more than Luhansk oblast has 15 PCs under statutes to serve as basic Luhansk Oblast Administration: Mykolaivka Sloviansk 400 recommendations to local Stanytsa Luhanska documents governing the Rubizhne Local Council, Severo- authorities on public policy mat- Cherkaske community’s interaction donetsk Local Council, Bilokurakine Kramatorsk Soledar ters, ranging from education to Popasna with the local authorities Rayon State Administration, Bilo- Druzhkivka Bakhmut infrastructural development to vodsk Rayon State Administration, and other territorial entities. Kostiantynivka Luhansk environmental issues. Kreminna Rayon State Administra- These statutes are in line Oblast tion, Markivska Rayon State Admin- Dobropillia Toretsk with the Constitution of Myrnohrad Please refer to the map below with istration, Milove Rayon State Admin- Ukraine and comprise a set of istration, Novoaydar Rayon State Pokrovsk Novohrodivka presence of PCs in both Donetsk mechanisms and instruments Administration, Novopskov Rayon Avdiivka and Luhansk oblasts. Selidove for civic engagement in State Administration, Popasna Rayon State Administration, Stan- developing local policies, Kurakhove Donetsk including participation in ytsya-Luhanska Rayon State Ad- Oblast ministration, Starobilsk Rayon State public hearings, submission Administration, Svatove Rayon State Velyka Novosilka Legend of individual appeals and Vuhledar Administration and Troyitzke Rayon collective petitions as well as State Administration. Established Public e-petitions. To date, such a Council statute has been developed Initiated Public for Myrnohrad city (Please see Council Annex 4 for the full text of the Area around the statute). Mariupol contact line
32 Public Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine Councils
*Public Councils are With UNDP support, 39 consultative and advisory Public Councils have been created communities or initiated in entities created to foster 39 communities in Donetsk and citizens' participation in Luhansk oblasts. 57% the development, 684 implementation and Public Councils comprise 684 members of civic organizations members monitoring of public of civic (43 per cent women). 43% organizations policies.
Troitske
Markivka Novopskov Bilokurakine Milove
Svatove Starobilsk Bilovodsk
Kreminna Novoaidar Rubizhne Lyman Severodonetsk
Mykolaivka Sloviansk Stanytsa Luhanska Cherkaske Kramatorsk Soledar Popasna
Druzhkivka Bakhmut Kostiantynivka Luhansk
Dobropillia Toretsk Oblast Myrnohrad
Pokrovsk Novohrodivka
Avdiivka Selidove
Kurakhove Donetsk Oblast
Velyka Novosilka Legend Vuhledar
Established Public Council
Initiated Public Council
Area around the Mariupol contact line
33 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
Best practices in These achievements were preced- • PC standing order. The stand- ed by the provision of large-scale ing order is a key document that the work of PCs support from the project in two includes the rules and specific As mentioned earlier, the PCs major areas: procedure for holding PC meet- ings, including drawing up the have generated and submitted 1. Institutional support for the agenda, considering questions, over 400 recommendations to work of the PCs; and local authorities covering various adopting decisions on the basis area of public interest. As an ex- 2. Capacity building interven- of a simple majority vote and ample, the Selidove PC facilitated tions increase the effective- other procedural aspects that the construction of a playground ness of the work of the PCs. contribute to systematizing the for children. This was achieved work of the PCs. by creating an innovative online • Annual work plans of PCs. participatory budget approach Institutional The project also facilitated the through which the project re- development of annual work ceived the highest number of support plans for PCs. The work plans votes from residents and thus Institutional support provided for set out a detailed plan of ac- received funding from the local the work of PCs included: tivities to be undertaken by PC authorities. Druzhkivka PC facil- members in the coming year • Development and adoption itated implementation of mul- and serve as a monitoring tool of PC regulations. The regula- tiple projects, including the es- for evaluating progress. As an tions are the fundamental doc- tablishment of water purification example, the annual work plan uments governing and system- systems in schools, storage res- of Bakhmut Public Council atizing the work of PCs. Under ervoirs for drinking water, street comprises 29 activities to be these, the PCs serve as consul- lighting and other important ini- implemented in 2018. The ma- tative and advisory bodies to tiatives. jor activities include discussing promote public participation the city’s demographic situa- in the development and imple- These success stories resulted tion, budget, progress in imple- mentation of local policies, ex- in growing trust in the work and menting the state programme ercising public control over the activities of PCs that continue to on improving the well-being of work of executive institutions serve as important communica- persons with disabilities, com- and serving as communication tion bridges between the author- bating crime and a number of channels between the citizens ities and community members. other no less important issues and the authorities in place. The PCs have proved themselves to of public interest. be reliable partners in the eyes regulation also includes rules of the local governmental coun- on composition and member- terparts due to their capability to ship of the PCs. constructively bring forward pub- lic views and interests.
34 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
• Monitoring system. The pro- Capacity building The programmes for the training ject supported the develop- also included in-depth sessions ment of a system to regularly interventions with the members of the PCs on review the status, progress and The official establishment of Pub- the role and work of local-self-gov- level of cooperation between lic Councils in both Donetsk and ernment structures, consideration the targeted PCs and local au- Luhansk oblasts required a series and adoption of programmes, de- thorities. The monitoring sys- of capacity building activities to sign of local budgets to meet pub- tem is built around the follow- be held to increase their effective- lic needs, projects affecting the ing indicators: 1) Number of ness as agents of change, voicing livelihoods of communities, issues active commissions launched public concerns and bringing related to regulatory policy and to deal with specific issues; needs to the attention of public entrepreneurship, and statutes of 2) Procedures in place; 3) Stat- authorities. To achieve this, spe- territorial communities with a fo- utory documents adopted; cial training modules were de- cus on the mechanisms for civic 4) Existence of a work plan; signed focussing on the following participation in decision-making 5) Number of meetings and pro- areas: processes. tocols; 6) PC websites that regu- • Timely and proper planning of larly disseminate information for Through a series of capacity build- activities to meet public needs public use; 7) Number of recom- ing activities, participants further and demands; mendations generated by PCs; enhanced their skills on effective 8) Number of recommendations • Theoretical and practical as- communication with the public, adopted by local governments pects of the existing legislative use of social marketing tools and in their documents/policies; and framework governing public introducing innovative tools to 9. Number of consultations and interaction with the authorities; increase public oversight of the level of cooperation with local • Development of regulations performance of local authorities government institutions. to govern the work of PCs and (including Prozorro, Dozorro, ac- their practical application; cess to electronic registries and • Informational exchange/ e-petitions). public outreach. In support- • Human resources manage- ing the work of the PCs, the ment; The total number of partici- project placed strong empha- • Launch of targeted commis- pants in training sessions was sis on fostering inter-institu- sions to deal with particular is- 596, of whom 419 were women. tional exchange among them sues of public concern; and Significantly, all the capacity build- by launching regular dialogue ing interventions involved both PC • Elaboration and follow-up pro- platforms to discuss ongoing members and representatives of motion of recommendations issues and share best practic- relevant local government struc- for the attention of the local au- es. The project also created tures, and resulted in increased thorities. and administers a dedicated interaction and establishment of Facebook group that brings trusting relationships. This led to all the PCs together under one open discussions, constructive umbrella to quickly share news criticism and elaboration of more and developments on the most than 400 recommendations for pressing issues. the attention of local authorities.
35 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
In 2017, the project facilitated Examples the launch of a large-scale Forum entitled “The role of local govern- ance structures and civil society Tallinn, Estonia, Katowice, Poland, institutions in the decentraliza- 23 September 2017 – 15 June 2018 – tion process”. The Forum involved 3 October 2017 24 June 2018 discussion of the progress of im- plementing the National Strategy Estonia is known as a good ex- During the study visit, partici- on Civil Society Development, ample of a country that has es- pants familiarized themselves the prospects of the ongoing de- tablished effective and interac- with Poland’s system of local centralization process and best tive platforms with its citizens governance, with mechanisms practices of community-based on public policy matters. The for public interaction with the socio-economic development study visit exposed the par- authorities concerning public in both Donetsk and Luhansk ticipants to see how the inter- policy development, budget- oblasts. The Forum concluded action takes place in practice, ary processes and provision of with the adoption of a joint Res- what mechanisms are in place, social services, as well as with olution by 160 participants of and how were they developed programmes to enhance the whom 89 were women (see An- and implemented through the capacity of local government nex 5 for the full text of the Res- years. Participants learned in staff. The visit was further ac- olution). detail about: companied by several visits to • the competencies of the various locations, including the local authorities at Tallinn Centre for Support to Civil Soci- Study tours and city level; ety Institutions. exchange visits • the mechanisms for civic To learn the best international and participation in the devel- national practices for enhancing opment of by-laws, city constructive and systematic en- strategies and programmes gagement between civil society as well as formulation of the and the authorities, the project budget to ensure that they facilitated a series of exchange envisage and address public visits involving members of PCs needs and interests; and authorities from the targeted • city programmes on cooper- communities. In total, the project ation with public organiza- launched 14 study tours, to Lutsk, tions and attracting invest- Lviv, Krakow, Ivano Frankivsk, Tal- ment; and linn, Odesa, Poltava, Sumy, Dni- • use of various innovative pro, Kharkiv and Katowice. They and e-governance tools to involved 182 women and 99 men. encourage better and faster public interaction with the authorities.
36 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
Participants of the joint meeting of PCs of Donetsk, Luhansk and Lviv oblasts, July 2017. Photo: UNDP Ukraine
Activity summary PCs were equipped with their These interventions systematized own Regulations, governing the work of the PCs and led to the To enhance and systematize civil their objectives and tasks and development and consideration society interaction with the local also increased their potential of more than 400 recommenda- authorities, the project facilitated through a series of capacity tions by local authorities in tar- the establishment of PCs as con- building interventions, including geted communities. sultative and advisory bodies to study tours to Estonia and neigh- foster civic participation in the bouring Poland. development and implementa- tion of state policies.
37 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
Activity-based Reporting
The armed conflict in eastern The adverse effects of conflict-in- Activity 2.2 Ukraine negatively affected the flicted damage are dispropor- Support for the very ability of the local authorities tionately borne by poorer house- establishment to provide administrative and so- holds, the displaced, and other and further cial services to the population in vulnerable and conflict-affected functioning need, especially the most vulner- groups. Continuous provision of of Citizens’ able groups, including IDPs and the most needed social servic- women. According to the Ministry es was thus essential for societal Advisory Bureaus of Social Policy, there are approx- normalization and stabilizing to provide imately 1.5 million IDPs, mostly crisis-affected areas, and for cre- services to women, children and elderly. Be- ating the conditions needed for population hind these numbers, are the lives further development. affected by of many individuals, confronted the conflict in with enormous difficulties in sus- This was reached via establish- eastern Ukraine taining livelihoods and obtaining ment and operational support to legal, administrative, psychologi- seven Citizens’ Advisory Bureaus cal and social support. (CABs) that over the course of their activities provided 55,756 Given this situation in place, ur- services to persons in pressing gently support for the efforts of need of assistance. CABs also or- local authorities to provide essen- ganized a series of field consul- tial social as well as administrative tations in remote locations along services is key for alleviating the the ‘contact line’, covering 285 suffering of conflict-affected -per cities and villages in Donetsk and sons and rebuilding public trust Luhansk oblasts . in state institutions.
38 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
Citizens’ Advisory Bureaus
Bilolutsk
Bilokurakyne Novopskov Markivka
LUHANSK OBLAST Novomykilske Novovodyane Baranykivka Bilovodsk Makeivka Bulhakivka Novokrasnyanka Nevske Novoastrakhan Zhytlivka Kreminna Denezhnykove Sviatohirsk Stara Krasnyanka Kuzmyno Rubizhne Lyman Chervona Dibrova Novoaidar Severodonetsk Siversk Sloviansk Lysychansk Bylbasivka Mykolaivka Raihorodka Vovcharivka Cherkaske Andriivka Zvanivka Kramatorsk Shchastya Vrubivka Soledar Komyshuvakha Stanytsia Luhanska Vilkhova Druzhkivka Makarove Popasna
Kostiantynivka LUHANSK Donetsk
Pokrovsk Novoselivka 2 Novoselivka 1 Skuchne Ukrainsk Tsukuryne Krasnohorivka Kurakhove DONETSK Berestky Kurakhivka Mariinka Novomykhailivka Kostiantynivka Praskoviivka
Vuhledar DONETSK OBLAST Volnovakha Legend
Hranitne ‘Contact line’ as of June 2016 (OCHA) Kelerivka Kyrylivka Kalchyk Kliuchove Chemarlyk Zorya Pavlopil Stationary CAB location Makedonivka Orlovske Mykilske Kominternovo situated in the large city center SartanaLebedynske Vynohradne Mariupol Sopyne Mobile CAB location with Manhush schedule visits to other covered areas
Range of service provision 39 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
Institutional Seven CABs are operational in support to CABs the following locations:
The CABs were established with 1. Mariupol CAB is man- 5. Severodonetsk CAB is the primary purpose of provid- aged by Beregynya Public managed by Grazhdan- ing administrative, legal and psy- Foundation and covers skaya platforma (Civic chological assistance to persons 50 settlements including Platform) and, besides the affected by the armed conflict Blyzhne, Donske, Mangush, city of Severodonetsk it in eastern Ukraine. The issues for Mirne, Novotroitske, Olg- covers settlements includ- which assistance is provided in- inka, Orlovske, Pokrovske, ing Borovenki, Bulgakovka, clude, but are not limited to: Rybinske, Vinogradne, Kreminna, Nevske, Rubizh- • Legal and administrative Volnokhova and others; ne and others; assistance: registration of 2. Kramatorsk CAB is man- 6. Novoaidar CAB is man- subsidies, registration of land aged by Fond Razvitiya aged by Obshestvennaya plots, inheritance, registration Obshestva (Community Sluzhba Pravovoi Pomoshi of ownership of mobile and Development Fund) and (Public Service for Legal immobile property, forced covers settlements includ- Assistance). In 2018 alone it eviction of persons, obtaining ing Bilenke, Druzhkivka, provided advisory services IDP status, violations of labour Konstantynivka, Toretske, to 2,353 persons in need, rights, and mediation; Veselyi, Yasnogorivka and including 1,137 IDPs con- • Psychological assistance: others; cerning registering places psychological counselling in 3. Sloviansk CAB is man- of residence, obtaining cases of family conflicts, prob- aged by START and covers social benefits and pen- lems with children, depression, smaller settlements such as sions and psychological stress, difficulties in child-par- Bilbasivka, Lyman, Siversk assistance; ent relations, autism, a child’s and others. In 2018 alone, 7. Novopskov CAB is man- deviant behaviour, childhood more than 3,600 services aged by Tsentr Podder- hyperactivity, dependency were provided to persons zhki Obshestva” (Centre problems, post-conflict trauma in need, including more for Community Support) and others; and than 400 IDPs; which, over the course of • Advisory support to citizens 4. Vuhledar CAB is managed 2018, provided more than on mechanisms for opening by Priazovye Semiya Char- 4,000 advisory services. public organizations, initiative itable Foundation. In 2018 groups, and development and alone it provided services submission of various socially to more than 900 IDPs; driven projects to foster civic engagement in community development.
40 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
Regulation of The Code of Ethics also provides • The project also organized a set of guiding rules for CAB psy- series of trainings for CAB CABs chologists that, given the nature employees on “Building effec- CABs operate under a specially of their work, should comply with tive public communication designed regulation that deter- principles of confidentiality and channels and competencies”. mines their mandate, objectives create conditions for the bene- The trainings increased the and tasks. Under this, “CABs pro- ficiaries to feel comfortable and capacity of CAB employees vide legal, psychological and ad- keen to openly share their con- to constructively interact ministrative advisory services on cerns in order to obtain best as- with the beneficiaries, the a free-of-charge basis to citizens sistance (Annex 7, Code of Ethics) local authorities via relying in need regardless of their ethnic- on relevant communication ity, social status and religion and Capacity building tactics, usage of non-verbal are guided by the Constitution communication means. To of Ukraine”. (see Annex 6 for full interventions foster public visibility of their text of the Regulation of Mariupol To raise the capacity of CAB em- activities, participants also CAB, an example regulation). ployees to provide high-quality went through special sessions CABs also have special card on administrative, social and psy- on public relations, including which they record all the details chological advisory services, the interaction with mass media of provided advisory services to project designed and implement- representatives, design and enable tracking of their exact ed a series of capacity building launch of public outreach quantity and type. In its future interventions that included the campaigns via proper identifi- interventions, the project is plan- following: cation of objectives, messages ning to carry out a satisfaction as well as tasks. Special session • Series of workshops on “Stand- survey regarding the advisory was also dedicated to the us- ardization of the processes and services provided. age of social media channels launch of a unified network of to promote CAB activities and services”, that have enhanced reach wider audience in need Code of Ethics knowledge and skills of its of assistance. participants on legislative The project also supported the framework of CAB activities, CABs to corporately develop a development of work plans, detailed Code of Ethics to help development and adoption of their employees to interact with CAB regulations, interaction beneficiaries with honesty and with relevant local authorities integrity. For example, in line with as well as methods for evalu- the Code of Ethics, CAB lawyers ating the quality of services cannot defend the opposing in- provided; terests of two or more parties and must in the provision of services remain always tactical, sensitive and highly professional.
41 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
All the CAB lawyers field officers 19 9 to faster reach employees, beneficiaries in a total of 8 psychologists remote locations 72 persons, administrators accountants participated 22 7 in the training 9 field officers project sessions to faster reach 7 coordinators beneficiaries in remote locations
Activity summary To institutionalize their activities, Provision of high quality advisory the CABs were also provided with services was also preceded by a The conflict in eastern Ukraine separate Regulations governing series of workshops resulting in heavily undermined the ability their objectives, mandate as well increased capacity of CAB person- of the local authorities to provide as a Code of Ethics outlining set nel to carry out expected tasks. high quality and timely servic- of guiding ethical rules for CAB es to persons in need, especially employees in interacting with ad- IDPs and women. This necessitat- visory service recipients. ed the urgent creation of a mobile mechanism that could provide social, administrative and psycho- logical assistance to residents af- fected by the conflict. To address this issue, the project established and operationalized seven Citi- zens’ Advisory Bureaus that have together provided 55,756 high quality advisory services.
A Cititizens’ Advisory Bureau in Mariupol. Photo: UNDP Ukraine / Anastasia Vlasova
42 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
Activity-based Reporting
As mentioned earlier, the con- Before the project interven- Activity 2.3 flict created massive challenges tions, local governments in both Close the to civilian governance structures Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts governance in the government-controlled re- were struggling with lack of com- gap and enable gions of eastern Ukraine, leading petent personnel to address the transition to deterioration in social relations issues at hand, physical infrastruc- to lasting and trust, political and econom- ture that was poor and obsolete ic processes and ultimately to a for effective service delivery, and governance sharp decrease in security and outdated local socio-economic structures the quality of life. Regional gov- development strategies. The sit- ernments have also been relocat- uation was further exacerbated ed from their former facilities in by enhanced pressure on local Donetsk and Luhansk cities to cit- governments because of devolu- ies in government-controlled are- tion of power and responsibility as such as Kramatorsk, with each from the central authorities and administration under immense increasing demand from citizens pressure to deliver the needed and civil society institutions to services with reduced capability be more accountable and trans- and limited resources. parent and to ensure their par- ticipation in the decision-making processes.
43 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
To address these challenges, the media on tackling information provided to address identified project’s support included the deficits in the two oblasts; gaps. A memorandum of coop- following major areas: eration was also signed with a • An advisor on international number of agricultural compa- cooperation and European nies operating in the Oblast; 1. Advisory integration, who has played a and expert lead role in the development • An advisor on ecology and support to local of an action plan to implement environmental protection who Luhansk Oblast’s Regional De- has carried out an ecological administrations velopment Strategy 2020 and audit and issued recommenda- in line with PwC facilitated development of new tions on addressing problems recommenda- project ideas to be potential- identified related to waste ly financed by the European management, water resources, tions resulting in: Investment Bank; air emissions and storage of hazardous materials; • An advisor on legal issues and Eleven advisors being hired decentralization to facilitate • An advisor on public relations for oblast administrations in the ongoing reform process in worked in close cooperation Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts Luhansk Oblast. Under his su- with the Department of Infor- pervision, more than 40 public mation at the oblast adminis- Luhansk oblast advisors: awareness-raising activities on tration, provided regular anal- the decentralization reform ysis of the media landscape • An advisor on mass media, agenda have taken place in and issued recommendations the appointment of whom targeted communities in Lu- on improving delivery of resulted in making the Lu- hansk Oblast. Advisory support timely, quality information to hansk News newspaper fully was also provided to improve the public on the work of the operational with circulation of educational, medical and social authorities. Under his supervi- 50,000 copies. Under the sen- systems at oblast level; sion, the public visibility of the ior leadership of the Advisor, administration has increased the newspaper played one of • An advisor on agro-industri- dramatically with coverage of the lead roles in covering the al development has worked its activities not only in region- issues facing IDPs. Continuous in close collaboration with al but also in national media advisory support was provid- the Oblast Administration sources, including Radio Free ed to the regional administra- Department of Agriculture. Liberty, UA TV and Rudana. tion on building constructive Continuous expert support Advisory support was also partnership with mass media was provided to analyse the provided to improve public sources: this resulted in in- existing regional programme visibility in social media, which creased coverage of the work for agricultural development have become an important of local authorities and the and to ensure its ongoing im- source of information for many Agency on Regional Devel- plementation. The current sit- conflict-affected men and opment. In addition, the local uation concerning the Oblast’s women. administration also signed land plots was also analysed, an agreement with 15 local and recommendations were
44 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
Working meeting of Donetsk and Luhansk oblast advisors and experts, September 2016
Donetsk Oblast advisors: development of civil soci- ment of Economic Develop- ety and its communication ment on handling public in- • An advisor on cultural issues, strategy; quiries on public procurement who has developed and pre- matters; sented a concept on United • An advisor on public pro- Cultural Space for Donetsk curement worked in close • An advisor on internal policies Oblast; collaboration with the First oversaw the development of Deputy Governor of the Oblast, an oblast-level Strategy on the • An advisor on agro indus- providing recommendations Development of Internal Pol- trial issues has participated and guidance to ensure trans- icies, in cooperation with civil in elaboration of a regional parency in public procurement. society. programme on the economic Under his supervision, procure- development of rural areas of ment procedures were created At the request of the Oblast Ad- Donetsk Oblast; for the Oblast Administration ministration, the project also • An advisor on informational Department on Education and facilitated engagement of addi- and internal policies oversaw Science, the Department of tional advisors on ecology and the elaboration and adoption Health and the Department of environment as well as an advisor of the Donetsk Oblast 2020 Ecology. Consultations were on economic development and regional programme for the also provided to the Depart- decentralization.
45 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
Thirty-three experts hired for – Procedure developed for 2. Regional targeted communities in both holding public consultations, Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts to regulation of the public Development close the most urgent govern- council (Kramatorsk). Strategies ance gaps in the following areas • Energy management and ener- To contribute to sustainable de- • Regulatory of local govern- gy efficiency: velopment in the two oblasts, ments and legal support for – Concepts developed for ener- the project provided support for their activities: gy efficient cities for Vuhle- the development of the Donetsk – Development of methodical dar and Cherkaske ATCs; Regional Development Strategy recommendations and draft 2020 and the Luhansk Regional – Development of energy effi- documents (council regu- Development Strategy 2020 (An- ciency passport, recommen- lations, conflict of interest, nexes 8 and 9). Both Strategies dations for launch of energy clearer procedures for set out mechanisms for prospects management department, performing notarial actions, for diversification of the regional and monitoring of energy by-laws); economy, improving the quality consumption by local state of social services, reforming local – By-laws on human resources institutions at request of Slo- governance, and building a se- management, conducting viansk authorities, Donetsk cure society governed by the rule functional analysis, job Oblast. of law. The Strategies also define descriptions (Bilokurakine • Housing sector: the relationship between various amalgamated territorial levels of government and are community (ATC), Novopsk- – Development of a package also intended to coordinate the ov ATC); of documents to create a separate structural unit for efforts of all stakeholders to man- – Development of guidelines interaction with the Associa- age change in all areas of public for registration of places of tion of Owners of Apartment life, including: residence, and registration of Buildings (Lysychansk ATC); • Rehabilitation and develop- real estate rights. – Concept for the development ment of critical infrastructure • Public relations: of housing and public utili- and ensuring its stable opera- – Methodological recom- ties (Svatove, Popasna); tion; mendations developed for – Guidelines developed for • Strengthening the capacity organizing and holding calculating tariffs in the of local authorities to provide press conferences, regula- housing and utilities sectors quality services using inno- tion on media accreditation, (Bilokurakyne ATC). vative technologies, in the job description of the press context of nationwide decen- secretary, template for press tralization reform; announcements, press-re- leases (Druzhkivka);
46 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
• Economic recovery, creation of • provides full and convenient 4. Public jobs and transition to sustaina- access for citizens to informa- ble development; and tion about the activities of awareness Donetsk Oblast Administration; • Creating favourable conditions campaign on for living and peacebuilding. • contains content that is adapt- decentralization ed to the needs of persons with The strategies have also set out visual impairments; With the aim of informing the mechanisms to ensure public • ensures that potential investors public about the ongoing de- monitoring and evaluation of im- have access to information centralization reform process plementation by civil society. about the investment potential in Ukraine, the project has or- of Donetsk Oblast (a holistic ganized a series of television 3. Integrated picture of the development programmes entitled “Time of Opportunities”. The participants platform of of the oblast’s economy and individual industries that need in the television programmes in- internet portals of investment, an investment cluded key national and regional local executive passport of the oblast and a stakeholders engaged in decen- tralization reform (including the authorities map of the oblast’s infrastruc- ture development); and Prime Minister and the Vice Prime and local self- Minister of Ukraine), who have • provides citizens with access to explained its details, benefits and government information on public servic- challenges to viewers. (Please see es, including administrative bodies in Donetsk Annex 10, which contains links to services, and, in the future, the Oblast the programmes). possibility of receiving such services online. The platform is a new, full-fledged information resource with mod- Link to the portal: www.donoda. ern design and expanded func- kitsoft.kiev.ua (test mode) tionality for various categories of users. The web platform:
• provides interested parties with complete and structured information about Donetsk Oblast (history, demography and statistics);
47 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
48 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
Output 3
Reconciliation and restoration of social cohesion among communities and between communities and the authorities
49 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
The conflict in eastern Ukraine Cohesion) of the Action but also ences between men and wom- has significantly reduced social to inform programme design and en, those differences exist cohesion, which had already been monitoring and evaluation for the between groups with different weak after years of divergent and other components. USE provides income levels, education and politically charged narratives, and both descriptive and predictive age. Young people, as well as widened pre-existing divides be- analysis by using statistical mod- those with higher incomes tween elites and the population. elling techniques and a robust and levels of education, tend Therefore, advocacy and invest- participatory methodology to: to be more socially tolerant ment in a narrative that gives the a) measure levels of both social towards persons from minority local population hope and iden- cohesion (the extent to which co- and marginalized groups; tifies ways towards a brighter fu- existence between individuals in • levels of active citizenship and ture still remains essential to mo- a society and the institutions that civic engagement are par- bilize the public and ensure the surround them is harmonious) ticularly low in both oblasts support of affected communities and reconciliation (the propensi- – with an average score of 3.7 for reforms. ty for groups in conflict to come in Donetsk Oblast and 4.1 in closer); b) track the levels of these Luhansk Oblast. It was also Weak social cohesion – the qual- two outcomes over time; and c) revealed that persons over 60 ity of the relationship between on the basis of the data gener- years of age are significant- groups in society and between ated, formulate evidence-based ly less engaged in socially people and institutions, as well policy and targeted programmes related activities than those as the sense of social belonging that respond more precisely to below 40 years of age (with – also originates from low citizen strengthen levels of social cohe- scores ranging from 2.6 to engagement and activism, and sion by addressing the root caus- 4.5 respectively). The general poorly developed dialogue plat- es of conflict and preventing the inertia could be explained by forms between various groups emergence and/or relapse of con- a common view among the and especially the conflicting flict in affected communities. local residents that authorities parties. As mentioned above, to The key findings emerging from neither seek to include citizens measure the scale and depth of this first round of surveys were in decision-making processes, the problem, the project relied that: nor are particularly responsive on data provided by two waves • the overall levels of social to citizens’ demands. A second of Vulnerability and Risk Assess- tolerance are moderate, important reason is a lack of ment conducted in 2015 as well with an average score of 5.6 information (i.e., citizens have as the UN SCORE for Eastern in Donetsk Oblast and 5.4 limited knowledge about the Ukraine (USE). The data was uti- in Luhansk Oblast (where 0 issues on the agenda of local lized to enhance and comple- indicates high intolerance councils and those of other ment monitoring and evaluation towards minority and margin- authorities). Finally, though of tools by providing relevant data alized groups, and 10 indicates lesser importance, people find and measuring the impact at full acceptance of minority civic engagement to be too both the outcome and output and marginalized groups by time-consuming compared to level, primarily for Component 3 all members of society). While other aspects of life (e.g., work, (Community Security and Social there are no significant differ- family time and so on);
50 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
Workshop for Advisory Groups on Social Cohesion, Sviatohirsk, June 2018. Photo: UNDP Ukraine / Artem Getman
• the level of neighbourhood These major findings have served The line of work included the fol- support – the extent to which as a benchmark for properly iden- lowing major areas: one feels supported by and can tifying and prioritizing interven- • Fostering cooperation and rely on neighbours for sup- tions with regards to enhancing exchange of best practices port – across the two oblasts social cohesion. The social cohe- between various groups and is moderate, with an average sion work stream has also provid- authorities as a key prerequi- score of 5.1 in Donetsk Oblast ed opportunities for learning and site for mutual contacts and and 5.3 in Luhansk Oblast. A knowledge sharing between dif- dialogue on societal develop- demographic breakdown of ferent communities in Ukraine to ment challenges; the data showed that the high- improve their understanding and est levels of neighbourhood perception of each other (east- • Building of networks and support are found among the west dialogue). It has also stim- facilitation of inclusive older population (i.e., 60 years ulated and informed the overall dialogue platforms among of age and above) and the discourse on the country’s future different actors, especially most economically disadvan- development. youth, to build better social taged members of society (i.e., ties and strengthen tolerance those who do not have enough and respect for diversity, a money even for food). key predominant for conflict
51 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
resolution and peacebuilding. Key • A Concept Note has been This was especially important prepared on the Civil Society in a situation characterized by achievements Hubs Network in Donetsk and fragile intercommunal trust, • The establishment of Advisory Luhansk oblasts in consulta- lack of a sense of belonging Groups on Social Cohesion to tion with civil society repre- and a disinclination to civic ensure that there was space for sentatives and in line with the participation; in-depth engagement and col- needs of local communities. Civil Society Hubs will help • The launch of a grant scheme laboration between CSOs, civic maximize the network’s effect, to support various civil society activists, government entities and empower communities initiatives to enhance social and law enforcement bodies to through various activities cohesion and build trust within promote social cohesion and focused on inclusive dialogue, and between communities; tolerance in conflict-affected communities; civic mobilization, engage- • Development of conflict-sensi- ment and project manage- • More than 550 community tive communication strategies ment; and and plans to communicate members have strengthened • Development and follow up positively regarding tolerance, their skills and capacities for support for the implemen- reconciliation and recovery and social cohesion and reconcili- tation of the Luhansk Oblast build public trust towards the ation through participation in Communication Strategy that work of local authorities; and workshops and study visits; has contributed to enhancing • Seventy-seven civil society • Enhancement of civic en- openness, accountability and initiatives were supported to gagement of youth through transparency in the work of strengthen social cohesion in programming that recognizes governmental institutions. its role as peace ambassadors, crisis-affected communities in including support for youth eastern Ukraine; leadership skills development, civic education, human rights training and volunteerism.
52 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
Activity-based Reporting
Facilitation of enhancing social cohesion and Activity 3.1. deepening inter-communal dia- Support local exchange visits to logue. This has also resulted in the dialogue enhance social development of joint action plans and trust cohesion and for further collaboration. building within build social ties communities In supporting dialogue platforms, special emphasis was placed on and between To rebuild relationships and trust youth as agents of change, who them and the in communities impacted by the can play a leading role in rebuild- authorities conflict, the project facilitated ing social ties and tolerance in the through public inter-communal dialogue plat- conflict-affected communities. consultations forms. In this respect, technical For this purpose, the “Discov- aid was provided to conduct a and hearings er Donbas” exchange visit pro- series of exchange visits to cen- gramme (hosted by Teple Misto tral and western Ukraine, with Urban Space in Ivano-Frankivsk) the overall aim of identifying was conducted, with the partici- bottom-up solutions to common pation of 25 young activists from challenges in both Donetsk and Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts. The Luhansk oblasts. exchanges enabled the sharing of best practices and peer-to-peer The visits involved around 400 learning, strengthening social co- individuals (65 per cent women, hesion in Ukrainian society and 35 per cent men) drawn from bringing together good practic- civil society, NGOs/CSOs, local es of social entrepreneurship in and regional authorities, private Ukraine. enterprises, local and region- al mass media, volunteers and young activists from both oblasts, who exchanged best practices on
53 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
The visits also enhanced the ca- To effectively reinforce this role of Advisory Groups on Social pacity of its participants to de- civil society institutions, the pro- Cohesion sign and launch youth-led civic ject undertook the following key Special Advisory Groups on So- education initiatives, that remain interventions: cial Cohesion were established vital for young peoples’ empow- to ensure a space for in-depth erment and active participation Grants scheme to support civil engagement of and collabora- in decision-making processes, be society initiatives tion between CSOs, local author- it at community, local or national The project supported the im- ities and law enforcement bodies levels. plementation of 77 civic initia- for social cohesion and promo- tives to enhance social cohesion, tion of tolerance in Donetsk and Promoting the reaching out to approximately Luhansk oblasts. Each group role of civil society 300,000 residents of Donetsk and comprises local representatives Luhansk oblasts. The list of sup- of CSOs, UNDP local mediation institutions in ported projects included mobile course participants and local ac- enhancing social theatres for conveying positive tivists. The project held regular cohesion messages about tolerance and consultations with both groups, respect for diversity, the instal- and thereby received expert Enhancing the role of local civil lation of children’s playgrounds, opinions and guidance for fur- society institutions for the pro- cultural festivals, outdoor gyms, ther promotion of social cohe- motion of social cohesion and re- urban greening and many oth- sion and tolerance in conflict-af- building of social ties was at the ers. The projects were chosen fected communities. forefront of project’s interven- based on their relevance to the tions. Civil society organizations priority areas announced in the The Advisory Groups suggested must be well placed to imple- call, clear objectives and target the following major areas of work: group, sustainability, and the pre- ment important activities to re- • Support for various activities vious experience of the applying dress grievances, build peace and that could potentially promote organization. In evaluating the promote tolerance. They can also closer ties and exchanges proposals, commission members play a supportive role by leading between communities in the also considered the principle of local community consultations targeted oblasts of Ukraine value for money. (See Annex 11 and developing various mech- and other parts of the country, for more information on the initi- anisms for civic participation in including the launch of cultur- atives supported). decision-making processes, ad- al events, games, sports and vocate on behalf of vulnerable cultural exchanges not only groups and promote social inte- for youth but also for older gration and cohesion. people;
54 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
Development of recommendations to boost social cohesion in Luhansk Oblast by Advisory Group members. Photo: UNDP Ukraine
• Development of multifaceted to remove stereotypes of the • Increased awareness of the courses with special teacher inactivity of the judicial system work of courts and executive training in educational insti- for protection of the rights and bodies through dissemination tutions at different levels on freedoms of citizens; of positive practices, successful non-conflict communication stories, and court decisions; • Support and creation of Schools techniques (together with the and of Leadership (agents of Ministry of Education, the “new change) and “Ambassadors for • Increased openness and Ukrainian School” and “media Peace”, especially among youth; oversight of in the authorities, literacy”); and involvement of CSOs in • Support for positive image pro- • Systemic outreach activities decision making. grammes covering areas close to improve the level of legal to the ‘contact line’; culture (values, behaviours, The suggested recommendations dialogues and so on) of the • Awareness-raising campaigns have formed the basis for plan- population, introduction of le- that would demonstrate posi- ning project activities. gal education courses into the tive examples of civic engage- educational process. Dissemi- ment to support the operation nation of positive examples of of political mechanisms; court decisions (ready cases)
55 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
Mapping of public To further support development • Provision of consulting services of a strong and active civil soci- and outsourcing in accounting, organizations ety sector in the two oblasts, a legal issues, public relations, Before the project interventions, Concept Note on the Civil Society fundraising and advocacy (in- civil society institutions in Lu- Hub network in Donetsk and Lu- volving online consultancy); hansk oblasts has been prepared hansk Oblast were character- • Space for civil society actors’ in consultation with civil society ized by weak inter-institutional activities, internal and external representatives. cooperation for developing and events; and implementing various projects. • Cultural and creative space To address this issue, the pro- Civil Society Hub are expected to targeting vulnerable groups. ject mapped the public organ- maximize the network effect and izations operating in Luhansk empower communities by means A Hub will be established in the Oblast and launched a single of various activities focused on premises of Volodymyr Dahl East online resource platform (www. inclusive dialogue, civic mobili- Ukrainian National University. ndo.lg.ua), which is actively used zation, engagement and project and supported by the oblast re- management. According to the gional administration. More than Concept Note, Civil Society Hub Activity 20 organizations were given ac- will serve as: summary cess to the platform, they publish • Platforms for collaboration of information on the implementa- civil society actors within the To enhance social cohesion in the tion of their initiatives and on a given Oblast; conflict-affected communities regular basis, increasing not only of eastern Ukraine, the project • Information platform for pro- coverage of their activities but facilitated intra-communal and jects of civil society actors in also potential cooperation with regional dialogue platforms and the Oblast; other organizations working in created special Advisory Groups the same area. • Platforms for cooperation on social cohesion to receive between civil society and local, and implement expert advice to The platform is therefore intend- regional authorities; rebuild relationships and trust. Moreover, 77 civic initiatives ed to increase the amount of pub- • An instrument for institutional on social cohesion were imple- licly available data on the work of development and empow- mented following a competitive civil society groups and the donor erment of civil society and selection process targeting ap- community in the two oblasts, capacity building of local proximately 300,000 residents of and should ultimately result in NGOs, volunteers and youth by Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts. increased public awareness and providing access to training, more active involvement in tack- workshops and development ling development challenges in of skills in the following areas: Luhansk Oblast. a) Community empowerment and social cohesion; and b) Enhanced community security and advocacy for vulnerable groups;
56 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
Activity-based Reporting
In its activities, the project placed Promotion of Activity 3.2. one of the key emphases on en- Support to youth gaging with youth and equipping volunteerism platforms them with the knowledge and among youth skills they need to be aware of On International Volunteer Day and promote social cohesion and in 2016, marked every year on 5 tolerance in their communities. December, two workshops were held for volunteers in Severo- This has been achieved through donetsk (Luhansk Oblast) and facilitation of a series of discus- Kramatorsk (Donetsk Oblast), sion platforms, in which repre- bringing together activists, youth sentatives of youth organizations and NGO representatives, who can speak to each other to break had expressed the need to in- down stereotypes and become volve volunteers in their work. socially responsible citizens who More than 90 participants (50 per recognize that diversity and tol- cent women) took part in training erance within Ukrainian society sessions, discussions, film screen- is one of the key prerequisites ings, and an NGO fair. The two for the country’s stable develop- workshops also raised awareness ment. In this regard, a series of of the various forms of volun- activities were undertaken by the teering, enhanced the potential project: involvement of young people in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts in the lives of their communities, and enabled local NGOs to effec- tively engage volunteers in their peace and development work.
57 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
Winners of the Youth Debate Tournament, May 2018. Photo: UNDP Ukraine
In addition, in cooperation nities. The Forum provided a for- 3. Protecting the Rights of Young with UN Volunteers, the project ward-looking plan that engaged People and Women. brought together 160 youth rep- those directly affected by, and resentatives from Donetsk and Lu- subject to, the issues discussed. This was the first time that wom- hansk oblasts (75 per cent women) This helped to steer the country en and young people from to design grassroots solutions to in the direction of gender-neutral Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts their specific economic and social and violence-free environments. had been given the opportunity challenges, and provide insights As such, it was important to in- to talk about the issues that they into economic opportunities, clude individuals who are directly face every day, and to raise possi- business development, communi- affected by the issues highlighted ble solutions they have identified. ty mobilization, human rights and in the discussion. protection against gender-based As a result, the Forum participants violence. The ‘Together for the The topics discussed included: provided a set of recommenda- Future’ Forum enabled its partici- 1. Young People, Women and tions for the design and imple- pants to exchange views and ide- Economic Challenges; mentation of volunteer projects as, network and create new part- in their communities. 2. Young People and Women in nerships in a bid to stimulate social Community Mobilization; and mobilization of these two commu-
58 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
Youth debates The qualifying round for the final These ideas are instrumental for debate tournament was held on establishing a forward-looking Debating is an important activ- the following topics: “This govern- plan and discovering what will ity for youth to develop leader- ment will increase the level of so- ensure Ukrainian youth’s full sup- ship and communication skills cial cohesion”, “This government port, cooperation and participa- to prompt a variety of youth-led educates tolerant youth”, “This tion in the recovery process. The positive social changes. Special government will form a culture debates have also demonstrated methodology was developed for of peace”, “This government will that certain topics related to tol- public debates and put into prac- prepare ambassadors of peace”, erance and social cohesion acti- tice successfully. Some 20 trainers “This government will build inter- vate the consciousness of young were taught how to conduct the cultural dialogue”, and “This gov- people, who during the debating debate tournament. Within one ernment will build bridges”. process analysed the ongoing sit- month, the trainers had created As a result, the youth agreed on uation and offered their own vi- and coached teams. A round of the following ideas: sion of how tackle the challenges debates was held in May 2018 in a non-violent manner. • ongoing educational pro- involving 48 young innovators grammes on intercultural com- from Donetsk Oblast (70 per cent munication, respect for ethnic women) and 32 from Luhansk Youth and and cultural diversity, human Oblast (80 per cent women). employment rights, and the importance of fostering dialogue between The Career Guidance Portal for The School of Public Debates com- different groups; Youth (www.mycareer.org.ua) prised two modules: three days of was supported by the project. The training on “Public Speeches and • training of “Ambassadors of portal was created by the Minis- Debate Skills. SCORE Index and Peace” in Donetsk and Luhansk try of Youth and Sports in part- Organization of Public Debate oblasts to promote peace, nership with UNDP and has been on its Results” for 20 people; and protection of human rights and included in the National “Youth a public debate on “The SCORE the core European values, who of Ukraine for 2016-2020” Pro- Index and its Impact on Promot- would contribute to the further gramme. The website provides an ing Cohesion and Social Unity in development of both oblasts; opportunity to young people to Communities”. In total, 80 peo- and pass a usually expensive but in ple participated in this initiative, • further capacity building inter- this case free-of-charge test, help- including schoolchildren and ventions to provide young peo- ing them to choose a profession teachers from Donetsk and Lu- ple with knowledge, skills and based on areas of interest and hansk oblasts, representing the tools to effectively promote skills. After the test results are re- cities of Sloviansk, Druzhkivka, social cohesion, peacebuild- ceived, young people are offered Kramatorsk, Mykolaivka, Severo- ing, conflict resolution, and the contacts of nearby qualified donetsk and Evsug. improved lives in their com- career guidance experts, who can munities through educational provide free-of-charge test inter- activities (summer camps, pretation and advice. youth leaders’ schools, creative youth labs and debates).
59 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
The platform is intended to be To further promote youth em- Three two-day workshops in a place where state institutions ployment, the project partici- Donetsk Oblast attracted 60 chil- such as the State Employment pated in implementation of the dren (55 per cent girls, 45 per Service, the Ministry of Education “Young Workers of Ukraine” na- cent boys) and six workshops in and Science, Youth Employment tional training and certification Luhansk Oblast brought together Centres, the Federation of Em- programme. The programme 130 activists (31 per cent women, ployers of Ukraine, top Ukrainian is aimed at ensuring adequate 69 per cent men) including per- employers, human resource prac- levels of knowledge about the sons with disabilities and IDPs. titioners and relevant NGOs can priorities, trends, and challenges The workshops promoted values interact with youth, post jobs and of youth policy and youth work of tolerance, peace and justice offer training opportunities, vol- while fostering democratic trans- among children and their parents unteer assignments, internships formation. The programme com- through the art of animation. The and graduate programmes to en- prises three levels of training: Ba- final training session in Mariupol sure smooth transition from edu- sic, Specialized, and Training for was live streamed to reach out to cation to the job market. Trainers. Since 2016, 19 training the broader public. As a result of sessions have been conducted in the working group discussions, The platform is used by young several locations across Ukraine. an analytical report was prepared men and women from Crimea The Project financially supported with recommendations to focus and other non-government-con- two “Youth Worker” training ses- more on the following areas: the trolled areas of Ukraine. Users can sions in Donetsk Oblast on 15-18 media, promotion of social cohe- receive guidance on higher ed- September 2016 in Sviatohirsk sion, reconciliation, tolerance and ucation, exchange programmes with 25 participants (more than civic activism, which were used and employment opportunities half women) trained. Additional as a basis for the organization of in Ukraine and abroad. Reinte- training was conducted in Krem- activities. The workshop attract- gration into the Ukrainian labour inna on 13-16 October with 20 ed coverage from local mass market will only serve to improve participants (50 per cent women). media as well as German media social cohesion and economic re- (Deutschlandfunk),5 thereby al- covery within the country. A series of workshops entitled lowing the efforts in Ukraine to “Peace and Justice” were held be- reach beyond national borders A Regional Youth Employment tween February and April 2017 in and potentially spark new part- Forum was organized and con- Donetsk Oblast, and in November nerships. Additionally, a series of ducted in Kramatorsk in May 2017 in Luhansk Oblast. training events on capacity build- 2017. Around 300 participants re- ing was organized at 10 youth ceived information about career platforms in Donetsk Oblast. opportunities and took part in Around 220 young people took interactive activities. part in this training in March-April 2018.
5 Available at: https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/
ostukraine-zerrissene-heimat-zerrissene-men-
schen.1773.de.html?dram:article_id=381094
60 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
Recommenda- Meanwhile, the play “He Is My Sis- The training modules includ- ter” featuring Ukrainian theatre ed separate sessions on human tions on extra- stars was performed in Krama- rights and intercultural dialogue. curricular activities torsk and Severodonetsk in east- As follow up, participants at the in schools ern Ukraine in February 2018. The Ambassadors for Peace school play took its audience on a jour- conducted seminars for more Recommendations for an ex- ney from disrespect and condem- than 1,000 teachers and students tra-curricular programme enti- nation to tolerance and friend- in their local communities to con- tled “Steps to Mutual Understand- ship giving a fresh perspective on vey important messages received ing” for schools in Donetsk and social stereotypes and showing and share skills acquired (please Luhansk oblasts in the 2016/17 the fundamental essence of hu- see Annex 12 for the information- school year, were elaborated and man relationships. As mentioned al brochure to Ambassadors for submitted for the attention of earlier, the play, through the Peace). both Donetsk and Luhansk Oblast prism of comedy, cast light on Administrations. serious societal matters embrac- Activity summary ing diversity and a respectful atti- In addition, the project facilitat- tude to each other. Around 1,500 The project actively worked with ed development of Guideline on people watched the play in both and engaged youth in enhancing Social Management in schools as locations. This was followed by a social cohesion, tolerance and a form of civic engagement. As a series of television discussions on respect for diversity by facilitat- follow up, the project conduct- tolerance, respect and empathy ing exchange visits and building ed five two-day project-writing in a fragile environment by UNDP inclusive venues to openly dis- training sessions for teachers and tolerance envoys as part of the cuss and share best practices. schoolchildren in January 2017, #Reinvent Respect campaigns. Additional efforts were made to in Kramatorsk, Pokrovsk and Mar- address employment of youth iupol (all in Donetsk Oblast), and School of through the launch of a career in Severodonetsk and Svatove guidance portal. To contribute to in Luhansk Oblast. The training Ambassadors for building civic activism in youth, a sessions attracted 110 young in- Peace series of recommendations were novators from Donetsk Oblast developed for extra-curricular ac- (half of them women) and 55 In August 2018, the project also tivities in schools and submitted from Luhansk Oblast (60 per cent launched a School of Ambas- for the attention of both oblast women) who were educated on sadors for Peace for teachers at administrations. drafting and implementing so- higher educational institutions, cially oriented project proposals. vocational and secondary schools As a result, 14 project proposals of both Donetsk and Luhansk were financially supported by oblasts. Some 25 School partic- the project, including installation ipants strengthened their com- of outdoor gyms, and sports and petencies on conflict resolution, recreation grounds. mediation, nonviolent communi- cation and dialogue facilitation.
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Activity-based Reporting
Mediation in conflict resolution ties using a culture of dialogue Activity 3.3. The conflict in eastern Ukraine re- and constructive negotiation. As Support to local quires working mediation mech- a result, 47 local micro-projects level mediation, anisms in place that are capable on mediation were designed and conflict of resolving disputes in a non-vi- implemented, making a tangible resolution and olent manner. Given the fragility contribution to conflict resolution peacebuilding of the situation, the project took and peacebuilding in their com- a number of steps to establish munities. these mechanisms at local level to prevent conflicts and contrib- To boost social cohesion and ute to further peacebuilding. For strengthen social ties, on May 26, this purpose, the “Insider Medi- 2018 the project supported the ation” approach was pioneered Runday rally in 10 Ukrainian cities in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, nationwide. The rally brought to- aimed at reducing tensions and gether some 500 people who, in hostilities between various groups addition to promoting a healthy at community level. “Insider Me- lifestyle, were able to encourage diation” can best be described as more solidarity, peaceful coex- a process of conflict resolution by istence and equal opportunities conflict insiders, who are capable for all in their communities. It has of affecting and positively trans- also resulted in increasing pub- forming it. lic awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular Using this approach the pro- about two goals particularly rele- ject increased the capacities and vant to Ukraine - Goal 10: Reduced skills of 85 mediators, who were Inequalities, and Goal 16: Peace, equipped with mediation tools Justice and Strong Institutions. and techniques for the promotion Moreover, Runday initiatives were of non-violent conflict resolution launched in five new locations, mechanisms in their communi- including Kramatorsk, Mariupol,
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Severodonetsk, Kharkiv and Ko- put the whole decentralization and discussed in detail. Following lomyia. Runs in these and other reform on hold. the meeting the participants were locations now take place every willing and ready to engage in fur- Saturday, with growing number of To address this issue, the project ther constructive discussions. participants (100 at each location). has piloted mediation activities in selected hromadas to facilitate the amalgamation process and ensure Activity summary Mediation in that it is carried out without con- decentralization flicts. Initially, the project conduct- In addressing the ongoing con- reform process ed a sociological survey in village flict, the project engaged in pro- councils in the pilot communities moting non-violent conflict reso- Since the beginning of the de- to measure residents’ attitude to- lution mechanisms through the centralization reform in Ukraine, wards the reform. provision of training to “insider many communities have been mediators” in target communities. facing issues with amalgamation As a follow up, three mediation Additional mediation efforts are due to tacit conflicts between dif- workshops were held in Mykolay- also being undertaken to further ferent stakeholders at local and pillya, Torske and Bilokuzmynivka enhance the ongoing decentral- district levels. These conflicts im- where the potential benefits of ization reform process in eastern pede further amalgamation and amalgamation were presented Ukraine.
Public presentation of the brandbook for Luhansk Oblast, July 2018. Photo: UNDP Ukraine
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Activity-based Reporting
The media community plays a Conflict-sensitive Activity 3.4 key role in the formation of public Assist the opinion. communication authorities at strategies the local, district Their ability not to be highly po- Effective communication with the liticized and report objectively, and oblast levels public is a fundamental aspect of especially in conflict settings, to develop an open government that keeps is essential for building public conflict-sensitive its population well informed of its trust, social cohesion, harmony, activities and establishes various communication mutual tolerance and respect for consultation mechanisms. To this strategies diversity. and public end, the project has supported the Luhansk and Donetsk Oblast awareness Therefore, in its activities, the pro- Administrations to develop con- ject placed a strong emphasis on approaches to flict-sensitive communication stra- working with and engaging the promote positive tegies. media community to positively messages in communicate on tolerance, rec- As part of communication strat- society onciliation, and recovery and to egy development, three studies facilitate broad-based participa- and surveys were conducted: tion in community-level dialogue with the following major under- 1. Identification of the popula- takings: tion’s value orientations and the public image of Luhansk Oblast, involving 1,270 re- spondents; 2. Identification of Luhansk Oblast’s unique characteristics (expert analysis, interviews with 21 experts in various fields);
64 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
3. Analysis and monitoring of 19 media outlets on the nature and content of information related to Luhansk Oblast.
Meetings and roundtable discus- sions were also held with repre- sentatives of local governments, NGO activists, journalists and bloggers in Kramatorsk, Sloviansk and Mariupol in November and December 2016 to discuss find- ings and gather their feedback. Presentation of Luhansk Oblast’s draft Communication The discussions also resulted in the Strategy, April 2018. Photo: UNDP Ukraine elaboration of recommendations, including the launch of a Commu- A travelbox VR for Luhansk oblast, Members of Advisory Groups on nications Office in Donetsk Oblast available at: http://www.brand.lg. Social Cohesion also took part (Kramatorsk) to provide informa- ua/portfolio/9-luhanska-oblast in the training, expanding their tional and logistical support for -persha-v-ukrayini-shcho-rozro- network with other active com- Ukrainian and foreign journalists. byla-unifikovanyy-brend-i-vyko- munity members. As a result of rystala-v-yoho-promotsi.html project’s interaction and capac- The project also provided sup- ity building interventions with port to Luhansk Oblast Admin- These materials are aimed at local media representatives, 24 istration for the implementation overcoming conflict grievances information campaigns and com- of its communication strategy by creating a positive image of an munication products were imple- that was adopted on 7 June 2018. oblast that should be character- mented. The following major results were ized by mutual tolerance, respect achieved: for diversity and openness. (see Annex 13, Luhansk Oblast Com- Activity summary • Brand Book of Luhansk Oblast, munication Strategy). available at: http://brand.lg.ua/ The project worked actively with the media community and de- download/1-brendbuk-luhan- Training courses on effective com- signed conflict-sensitive commu- shchyna-moya.html; munication campaign tools were nication strategies for Luhansk also organized for local journal- • Brand website of Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts to further ists, civic activists from conflict-af- Oblast, available at: http:// build public trust, social cohesion, fected areas of eastern Ukraine on brand.lg.ua/ tolerance and respect for diversi- issues of human rights, access to • Promotional video materials on ty in conflict-affected areas. justice, decentralization, gender various hromadas, available at: equality, inclusive education, se- http://promo.brand.lg.ua/ and curity issues and combating do- mestic violence.
65 Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
Conclusion
The ongoing conflict in eastern Meanwhile, as a result of the The establishment of and op- Ukraine heavily undermined the conflict local and regional au- erational support to seven Cit- ability of the state to address thorities have faced severe dif- izen Advisory Bureaus resulted the needs of the public. This ficulties closing the existing in the provision of high quality resulted in a massive decline governance gaps with regard and inclusive psychological, in social cohesion, generating to developing sound socio-eco- administrative and legal ser- distrust towards the local au- nomic, ecological, cultural, vices to more than 55,000 con- thorities, feelings of insecurity youth, public relations policies flict-affected men and women, and growing pressure to leave and to setting out further vision including IDPs and residents of places of residence in search of and mechanisms for sustaina- non-government controlled ar- better livelihood opportunities. ble development. eas of eastern Ukraine. Women were disproportionate- ly affected by the conflict be- In addressing these challeng- The conflict also resulted in a cause of persistent gender ine- es, comprehensive support significant decline in civil soci- quality and discrimination. was provided to regional and ety’s interaction with local au- local authorities in the form of thorities, leading to ever-grow- The situation was further exac- immediate expert assistance ing distrust in the work of erbated by the inability of the by filling governance gaps and governmental institutions. This local authorities to provide high improving capacity for recov- has been effectively addressed quality and inclusive services ery planning. To ensure longer- by the establishment and op- to persons in need, especially term development, Donetsk erationalization of 39 Public IDPs who required urgent assis- and Luhansk oblasts have been Councils (PCs) with 684 active tance to register their places of equipped with Regional Devel- members that have become residence and obtain social and opment Strategies until 2020, an essential communications other benefits to sustain their which have comprehensive bridge between the public and livelihoods. action plans that are ensuring the authorities, be it in the plan- their practical implementation. ning, developing or monitoring public policies.
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Over the course of the project, Special Advisory Groups on So- The project proved itself to be a PCs have monitored and pro- cial Cohesion are now in place reliable partner capable of pro- vided advisory and expert sup- and have played a leading role viding technical assistance to port to numerous programmes in providing expert guidance the authorities in their ongoing and brought more than 400 rec- and support to project inter- efforts towards peacebuilding ommendations to the attention ventions to enhance social and reconciliation in crisis-af- and further action of authori- cohesion and promote toler- fected communities by building ties, leading to increased public ance and respect for diversity, effective governance structures trust in their work, as evidenced the basis for Ukraine’s further and fostering a sense of nation- by the USE. sustainable development. Re- al ownership of the entire pro- sources were invested in youth cess. This trustworthy partner- As the country is still experienc- with the intention of building ship and the project’s crucially ing low levels of social cohesion, a generation of active citizens important achievements will be the project interventions were willing and capable of taking an excellent starting point and built around facilitating a range responsibility and contributing a solid base for upcoming pro- of discussion platforms be- to democratic development of jects. tween various groups and, most their communities and regions, importantly, conflicting sides. and their country at large. These have resulted in readiness and willingness to constructive- In its interventions, the project ly engage and openly talk with worked hand in hand with local each other. authorities, community mem- bers and civil society organiza- tions by meeting and adopting to their needs and demands.
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Lessons learned
• A coordinated and integrat- • The Citizens’ Advisory • A public outreach campaign ed approach is essential for Bureaus have proven to on the decentralization pro- avoiding overlaps between be a helpful innovation for cess proved to be an impor- different interventions and providing on-demand advice, tant undertaking for raising ensuring consistency with na- referrals and legal aid servic- people’s awareness of the tional and regional policies. es. However, because they reform process and gaining Continuing with effective are seen as temporary service public support. Outreach coordination, clear division of providers and because they activities must take place in tasks and timely information are by their nature and the future on the project’s sharing among the United purpose ‘non-governmental’, key undertakings; Nations agencies involved in they are facing sustainability implementing this project is issues; key to meeting the needs of national stakeholders. In this regard, provision of support to further build the capacity of Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts to strategically oversee project interventions was a key tool behind meeting the stated objectives;
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• People-to-people exchanges • Activities that have involved • In general, there is an oppor- have proven useful for indi- building dialogue within lo- tunity for more intensified viduals active in the interven- cal communities have proven work (in particular in relation tions to gain out-of-region helpful and have, to some to strengthening dialogue, exposure and experience. extent, not only improved participation and feedback/ Structured, well-prepared community security and control mechanisms) with lo- and moderated visits to other social cohesion but also gov- cal communities to strength- regions of Ukraine seem ernance and the economic en civil society participation to have been beneficial for situation. It is thus important to enhance security and changing attitudes and mind- to continue facilitating such cohesion. Efforts should be sets. dialogue processes in the extended along and near future. the ‘contact line’ where the majority of such training and the addressing of issues are needed.
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Results Framework for the “Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine” Project
OUTPUT 1: EFFECTIVE MONITORING SYSTEM ESTABLISHED
TARGET RESULT Target RESULT Indicator Baseline Source (2017) (2017) (2018) (2018)
Reliable baselines are established at the Desk review, No project onset, allowing monitoring of Yes Yes Yes Yes Project records, [2016] progress against objectives USE survey
Accurate and up-to-date information and No Desk review, Yes No Yes Yes analysis are available from the key locations [2016] Project records
Recommendations are developed and used No Desk review, for programme operations and advocacy on Yes Yes Yes Yes [2016] Project records an ongoing basis.
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OUTPUT 2: EFFECTIVE LOCAL GOVERNANCE STRUCTURES CAPABLE OF ADDRESSING URGENT RECOVERY NEEDS ARE FUNCTIONING
Disaggre- TARGET RESULT Target RESULT Indicator BASELINE Source gation (2017) (2017) (2018) (2018)
Desk review, Number of functioning Public Councils 23 [2016] 23 31 31 39 Project records
Number of recommendations from Public Councils that were implemented for infrastructure Desk review, 108 [2016] 50 150 150 195 rehabilitation, enhancing livelihoods, responding to Project records humanitarian needs and building social cohesion
Number of functioning CABs in Donetsk and Desk review, 4 [2016] 5 5 7 7 Luhansk oblasts Project records
7,804 Total 16,000 23,622 16,000 32,134 [2016]
CAB records Number of consultations provided by 4,292 Women 8,000 14,538 9,000 21,282 and administra- functioning CABs (including hotlines) [2016] tive data
3,512 Men 8,000 9,084 7,000 10,852 [2016]
Desk review, Number of towns and villages covered by CAB 4 [2016] 28 174 28 285 CAB adminis- services in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts trative data
Number of representatives of local Total 0 [2017] 75 58 75 149 Trip reports, authorities and community leaders Feedback who adopted experience from other Women 0 [2017] 40 31 40 105 forms, Project regions on successful amalgamation records. and decentralization practices Men 0 [2017] 35 27 35 44
Number of representatives of local Total 0 [2017] 25 54 25 20 Trip reports, authorities and community leaders Feedback who adopted experience from other Women 0 [2017] 15 35 15 11 forms, Project countries on successful amalgamation records. and decentralization processes Men 0 [2017] 10 19 10 9
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OUTPUT 3: RECONCILIATION AND RESTORATION OF SOCIAL COHESION AMONG COMMUNITIES, AND BETWEEN COMMUNITIES AND THE AUTHORITIES
TARGET RESULT Target RESULT Indicator Baseline Source (2017) (2017) (2018) (2018)
Number of mediators trained and equipped Training 0 [2017] 40 48 30 37 with mediation tools and techniques feedback forms
Initiatives/ Number of initiatives on mediation by ideas proposals, 0 [2017] 5 9 10 38 trained local mediators supported selection protocols
Number of community members that Trip reports, strengthened their skills and capacities for 299 120 410 100 177 Feedback forms, social cohesion and reconciliation through [2017] Project records workshops and study visits
Initiatives/ Number of communication strategies and ideas proposals, communication campaigns implemented 0 [2017] 5 12 5 12 selection by trained local media representatives in protocols, media eastern Ukraine monitoring
Number of people reporting increased confidence when dealing with tension 0 [2017] 300 2,400 200 330 Project records factors (men/women, youth, teenagers)
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Provisional financial data as of October 2018
Donor: Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency
Project Title: Restoration of Governance and Reconciliation in Crisis-Affected Communities of Ukraine
Output/Project ID: 00093279, 00093367, 00093368
Initial Expenses Expenses Budget Budget Expenses Expenses OUTPUT Donor budget, 2015, 2016, utilization, utilization, 2017, USD 2018, USD USD USD USD USD %
Output 1. Effective Monitoring system SIDA 71,500 4,947 1,493 0 0 6,439 9% established
Output 2. Effective local governance structures capable of addressing SIDA 817,593 36,975 472,624 90,210 454,268 1,054,077 129% urgent recovery needs are functioning
Output 3. Reconciliation and restoration of social cohesion among SIDA 882,146 62,017 117,903 97,988 413,784 691,692 78% communities, and between communities and the authorities
Project Management SIDA 552,475 99,436 162,735 9,290 332,716 604,177 109%
GMS (8%) SIDA 173,748 16,248 60,127 15,799 96,195 188,369 108%
Foreign Exchange Gain SIDA 52,083 0 0 0 0 0 0% and Loss
TOTAL 2,549,544 219,622 814,882 213,287 1,296,963 2,544,754 100%
NOTE: Data contained in this report is an extract of UNDP financial records and subject to change. The accounting period is an open period and data from some accounting processes may not have been processed. Financial data above is provisional.
73 Donor: Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation
Project Title: Communities of Ukraine
Output/Project ID: 00093279, 00093367, 00093368
Initial Expenses Expenses Expenses Expenses Budget Budget OUTPUT Donor budget, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, utilization, utilization, USD USD USD USD USD USD %
Output 1. Monitoring system SDC 77,500 677 3,531 0 0 4,207 5% established
Output 2. governance structures capable of addressing SDC 494,000 14,020 91,164 359,563 174,021 638,767 129% urgent recovery needs are functioning
Output 3. Reconciliation and restoration of social cohesion among SDC 692,025 48,550 88,985 325,722 117,076 580,333 84% communities, and between communities and the authorities
Project Management SDC 274,500 10,753 35,635 267,868 415 314,671 115%
GMS (8%) SDC 123,043 5,920 17,544 76,256 23,319 123,039 100%
TOTAL 1,661,068 79,920 236,858 1,029,409 314,830 1,661,018 100%
period and data from some accounting processes may not have been processed. Financial data above is provisional.
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