OSCE-supported draft regulation on psychological assistance to conflict–affected Ukrainians presented to public

KYIV, 28 September 2016 – The draft regulation on psychological rehabilitation and psycho-social support of ex-combatants, their families and other conflict-affected people, developed with the support of OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine, was put for public discussion today at a presentation in Kyiv.

Governmental officials, representatives of international and civil society organizations, heads of psychological and psychotherapeutic professional associations as well as experts and volunteers were invited to discuss and contribute to the elaborated model of psychological assistance to ex-combatants and their family members. The model outlines the roles of state agencies and non-governmental actors in this process, and provides for possibilities to engage highly-qualified professionals in providing psychological assistance and psychotherapy.

“Our office has significant successful experience in developing and introducing complex tools for providing assistance to various categories of people, for example, we have been working to launch interagency assistance models for victims of trafficking in human beings and domestic violence,” said Ambassador Vaidotas Verba, OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine. “Now we are going to use this expertise to help Ukraine meet a serious conflict-related challenge that may have security implications for many local communities across the country.”

The support has been provided within the Project Co-ordinator’s project to address conflict-related threats to society in Ukraine. As part of other efforts in this area, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator is also facilitating independent research to evaluate the scope and quality of state assistance to ex-combatants and their family members, as well as helping to develop Ukraine’s first state programme to co-ordinate long-term efforts of state agencies and civil society in this area. The development of training materials and manuals, educational courses for social workers, practicing psychologists and psychotherapists is also envisaged.