Even amid war, Ukraine continues to develop its social protection system: Ilona Havronska at EU–Ukraine Human Rights Dialogue

Deputy Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine for European Integration Ilona Havronska took part in the 11th meeting of the EU–Ukraine Human Rights Dialogue, held in Brussels. The event brought together representatives of Ukrainian ministries and agencies, EU institutions and international organisations.

Addressing participants, the Deputy Minister stressed that despite russia’s ongoing aggression, Ukraine is not only maintaining but also developing its social protection system.

“Despite the unprecedented challenges caused by the russian federation’s ongoing armed aggression, Ukraine remains committed to ensuring access to social services, mental health support, rehabilitation and community-based assistance, while also strengthening the protection of children and other vulnerable groups affected by the war,” Ilona Havronska said.

In particular, the Deputy Minister outlined measures aimed at supporting employment and social inclusion for persons with disabilities. She noted that since the beginning of 2026, Ukraine has introduced equal employment obligations for persons with disabilities for employers in both the public and private sectors, while also strengthening requirements for reasonable workplace accommodation.

Ukraine is also continuing to expand access to rehabilitation services and prosthetic care. This includes simplifying procedures for obtaining rehabilitation aids, increasing access to advanced prosthetic technologies, improving digital services, and supporting the rehabilitation and social inclusion of both military personnel and civilians affected by russia’s armed aggression.

Ilona Havronska also focused on the protection of children affected by the war. In this context, she noted that throughout 2025–2026 the Government of Ukraine adopted a number of decisions to support deported and forcibly displaced children, introduced the European Child Guarantee in Ukraine, and established the National Council on Children’s Rights Guarantees.

Additional measures are also being implemented to support the recovery, rehabilitation and recreation of children requiring special social attention and assistance, including internally displaced children and children affected by the war.

Background

The EU–Ukraine Human Rights Dialogue is held annually as part of Ukraine’s European integration process. Its primary purpose is to exchange information on the human rights situation in Ukraine and to develop ways of further improving human rights protection.