LDN experts will strengthen the capacity of local governments to protect human rights during martial law

Publication date: March 22, 2022

Written by: Halyna Kolesnyk, the Communications Manager of the Legal Development Network

As part of the #StandWithUkraine program, the Legal Development Network (LDN) has launched a study using the Local Human Rights Index. By the end of May, experts will conduct a comprehensive analysis of the work of local self-government in martial law in Zolotonosha, Cherkasy oblast, Sambir, Lviv oblast, and Konotop, Sumy oblast. The key areas of study are “Security”, “Social protection of vulnerable groups”, “Decent standard of living”.

*Photo: **Taras Shcherbatiuk**, coordinator of the LDN program #StandWithUkraine in Cherkasy oblast, experts in the methodology of the Local Human Rights Index.*

«The idea to conduct such a study arose because with the creation of civilian military administrations, they gained additional important powers. However, local governments are not always effectively involved in this work and do not use every opportunity to provide the civilian population with everything they need, in particular with regard to security.

The communities we study have different contexts. The situations in which they work are also different. We want to know whether they have reformatted their activities, local budgets to meet the needs and respect the rights of the population and those moving in transit through the region, or IDPs in full», – Taras Shcherbatiuk, coordinator of the LDN program #StandWithUkraine in Cherkasy oblast, experts in the methodology of the Local Human Rights Index.

The LDN already has considerable experience in researching the work of local self-government using the Local Human Rights Index tool. Last year, 27 communities from Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts received recommendations to improve their work. This year’s survey is conducted using additional indicators that emerged in connection with the imposition of martial law.The LDN #StandWithUkraine program is supported by International Renaissance Foundation, Charles Stuart Mott Foundation, DLA Piper Foundation and Legal Empowerment Fund (program Fund for Global Human Rights).

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