Supporting Volunteers in Ukraine: A Call for Enhanced Social Protection
Civil society organizations are urgently calling for improved social safeguards for volunteers who have suffered while assisting civilians during the ongoing conflict, as well as for their families. Proposed measures include adopting a government resolution to provide one-time financial aid and amending Ukraine's Tax Code to exempt nonprofit organizations from tax burdens related to volunteer insurance.
Since 2014, volunteers have played a crucial role in supporting both civilians and military personnel throughout the war. Yet, the state has yet to establish comprehensive protections for volunteers injured or otherwise affected in the line of duty. Nonprofits often face significant challenges in securing insurance for volunteers due to existing tax obstacles.
Recommendations from Civil Society Organizations
To address these issues, civil groups suggest several reforms. Notably, Cabinet Resolution No. 604 could be improved to consistently and fairly guarantee volunteers' rights to one-time monetary compensation. Additionally, a draft resolution aims to launch a pilot program offering support to disabled volunteers and families of volunteers who lost their lives while aiding civilians.
Key demands from charitable and civic organizations include:
- Urging the Cabinet of Ministers to finalize and approve the pilot program resolution for one-time payments to disabled volunteers and bereaved families.
- Calling on parliamentarians to swiftly draft and enact amendments to the Tax Code that would exempt insurance payments for volunteers from taxation.
Furthermore, the Cabinet of Ministers, Ministry of Social Policy, Ministry of Finance, and relevant parliamentary committees are encouraged to involve volunteer representatives in refining these legal frameworks. The Ministry of Social Policy and the Ministry for Veterans Affairs are also advised to continue enhancing Resolution No. 604 to better institutionalize state support for volunteers and families of the fallen.
Reforming the Tax Code will reduce financial strain on nonprofit groups and facilitate the attraction of international donor funds. Those interested in endorsing a joint statement can complete the registration form linked in the full text. These initiatives are poised to significantly improve conditions for volunteers undertaking vital missions amid the war and ensure they receive the state backing they deserve.
Protecting volunteers who risk their lives to help others is a vital step toward strengthening Ukraine's civil society.
If these proposed changes are implemented, state assistance for volunteers could become more structured and effective, encouraging broader participation in volunteer efforts and reinforcing civic solidarity in wartime.
As the call for stronger protections for volunteers gains momentum, it's essential to consider the broader context of social support initiatives. In a related development, Ukraine is set to enhance its social services and family assistance programs, with new funding starting in 2027. This move reflects a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive support systems for vulnerable populations. For more details on these upcoming changes, see this report on improvements to social services in Ukraine.