The Ministry of Social Policy joins the online marathon #weEUkraine to celebrate Europe Day in Ukraine! We are ready to talk about tangible changes for the better and the introduction of European standards and values.

The highest value of the state is the well-being of its citizens. Freedom of choice, dignity and equality are becoming an integral part of Ukrainian society. Every day we work to adapt and implement the best European practices in Ukraine.

The priorities of the Ministry of Social Policy in the field of European integration are as follows:

1. High level of protection of women's rights and counteraction to domestic violence

We counteract and prevent gender-based violence, in particular domestic violence. As of April 1, 2021, there have been operating 37 shelters for victims of domestic violence in 18 regions and the capital of Ukraine. There are also working 298 mobile teams of social and psychological assistance to victims of domestic violence and gender-based violence in the country.

On October 28, 2020, the National Action Plan for the Implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 "Women, Peace, Security" for the period up to 2025 was approved, which includes concrete steps to create conditions for equal participation of women and men in conflict resolution, peace-building and processes of recovery, countering security challenges, systemic countering gender-based violence and conflict-related violence.

In February 2021, the State Social Program for Prevention and Counteraction to Domestic Violence and Gender-Based Violence for the period up to 2025 was approved and it is aimed at the improvement of a mechanism of prevention and counteraction to domestic violence and gender-based violence on conditions of decentralization taking into account international standards as well as improving effective interaction of central and local executive bodies, local governments, the public.

In April 2021 there were approved:

- Plan of urgent measures to prevent and combat domestic violence, gender-based violence, protect the rights of victims of such violence, which is aimed at implementing the Decree of the President of Ukraine of September 21, 2020 № 398;

- Procedure and conditions for providing subventions from the state budget to local budgets in 2021 to create a network of specialized support services for victims of domestic violence and/or gender-based violence.

2. Combating human trafficking

The State Social Program for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings for 2016–2020 has been implemented. The concept of the State Social Program for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings until 2025 is currently being developed.

3. Protection of the rights of persons with disabilities

We create equal employment opportunities for everyone. Thus, on March 31, 2021, the Government approved the draft "On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts to Create Favorable Conditions for Employment of Persons with Disabilities." This European integration bill, which regulates the general system of equal treatment of persons with disabilities in employment and professional activities, aims to create favorable conditions that take into account the interests of both persons with disabilities and employers.

It is the observance of the balance of interests of the interested parties that can have a positive effect on increasing the level of employment of persons with disabilities. The next step is to vote in the Verkhovna Rada.

The Ministry of Social Policy introduces European standards for the provision of social services. The Government has approved a Strategy for the Digital Transformation of the Social Sphere, the aim of which is to create a single record of providers and recipients of social services and benefits and to introduce a system of control over the targeted use of social expenditures.

The following electronic services have been introduced, which are available on the official website of the Ministry of Social Policy, as well as on the Unified State Web Portal of Electronic Services:

- electronic service "Childbirth assistance" - introduced on March 30, 2017;

- e-service "Pre-registration system for documents for housing subsidies";

- social e-service "Municipal Nanny" - introduced on January 1, 2019.

Decent pension provision, effective social support for citizens, quality social services, protection of children's rights, decent working conditions for people with disabilities, equal opportunities for women and men, protection of the rights and freedoms of every citizen are the basic needs of society that are critical to provide the development of democratic and successful state.