Project on Providing Assistance to Survivors of Torture in Ukraine
Project on Providing Assistance to Survivors of Torture in Ukraine
For the past three decades, HealthRight International has been working to expand access for vulnerable populations to quality health care services and to protect human rights in 30 countries around the world. We work in four priority program areas: RMNCAH (reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child, and adolescent health); HIV; violence; and mental health. HealthRight International provides technical and organizational support for capacity building, enabling local authorities, community-based organizations, and private clinics to sustainably deliver services to the most vulnerable populations. We actively collaborate with other non-governmental organizations, ministries, and partners to test and scale up new approaches and technologies to address persistent and emerging challenges in global health and human rights.
HealthRight International has been operating in Ukraine since 2005. We aim to expand access for vulnerable populations to essential medical and social services – particularly marginalized women and girls, adolescents at risk and HIV-positive youth, young people in conflict with the law, and survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) and their partners. Our work focuses on: domestic violence, sexual violence, and GBV; reproductive health; responsible parenthood; risky behavior; HIV/AIDS; support for women and children in difficult life circumstances; humanitarian support in crisis situations; assistance to pregnant women and young mothers at risk of abandoning newborns or losing parental rights; and mitigation of the effects of torture, including through psychological and legal support.
BACKGROUND
In the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine, the need for access to quality social, psychological, and legal services for affected individuals has increased significantly. At the same time, due to Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine, there is a growing and critical need for comprehensive support for the civilian population – especially for those who have experienced traumatic events as a result of captivity. These individuals often face complex challenges: psychological trauma, social isolation, legal issues, and difficulties in accessing medical, legal, and social services.
At the local level, civil society organizations providing assistance to survivors often operate with limited resources and insufficiently integrated systems, including a lack of coordination between service providers and challenges in referring clients to appropriate services. The absence of clear coordination and effective referral mechanisms complicates timely and comprehensive responses to the needs of survivors, particularly civilians returning from captivity.
Taking all these factors into account, the Representative Office of HealthRight International (Право на здоров’я), with the support of Heartland Alliance International, is implementing the Ukraine Torture Treatment Project, aimed at providing comprehensive support to survivors of torture in Ukraine. The project seeks to ensure such support by: · integrating and systematizing existing services; · developing effective referral mechanisms among local NGOs; · providing mentoring support and financial subgrants to organizations working with survivors; · enhancing the professional competencies of local organization staff through online training activities.
The project’s goal is to ensure that every person who has survived captivity or other forms of violence receives timely, comprehensive, and quality assistance – and that local organizations have the tools to effectively respond to their needs.
PROJECT SUMMARY
Objectives:
1. Conducting a service mapping – identifying the available services provided at the local level, followed by the development of a referral map to ensure fast and effective referral of survivors to the relevant specialists or institutions.
2. Providing sub-grants to local NGOs to strengthen their capacity in delivering services to survivors.
3. Coordination and mentoring support for sub-grantees – organizing monthly online or in-person meetings, providing facilitation, technical, and methodological assistance, preparing summary materials, and ensuring experience exchange and joint advocacy efforts.
4. Conducting webinars for staff of local NGOs on topics such as survivors’ rights, compensation mechanisms, and self-help tools, with the involvement of experts and preparation of training materials
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For additional information about the project or if you are interested in partnering, please contact Executive Director Halyna Skipalska (e-mail: Halyna.Skipalska@healthright.org) or Project Coordinator Larysa Stulnikova (e-mail: Larysa.Stylnikova@healthright.org). For more information, please visit our website and follow us on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/HealthRightUkraine/
This project is implemented by the representative office of the international organization HealthRight International («Right to Health») with the support of Heartland Alliance International.
Project implementation period – August 2025 to April 2026.
Інформація про проєкт
- Project duration серпень 2025–квітень 2026 року
- Coordinator Larysa Stylnikova
