The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has passed an important bill “On the accounting of information about harm caused to the non-property rights of individuals as a result of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine.” This law introduces a new system for accounting non-property damage, which will be an important tool for recording cases of loss of life, health, family, forced displacement, as well as restricted access to education and healthcare due to the war.
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The significance of the bill for affected citizens
Ukraine is experiencing unprecedented aggression, which has caused immense harm to millions of people: the deceased and their families, people with disabilities, internally displaced persons, children who have lost their parents, and those who have suffered violence. In such circumstances, it is especially important that support for those affected begins immediately once information about them has been recorded.
This legislative initiative defines the strategic directions of state policy aimed at identifying affected individuals, assessing their needs, and providing them with appropriate social support. The Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine is actively working on implementing this damage accounting system, with the main tasks being:
- Accounting for individuals harmed by Russia’s aggression: This includes people who have suffered harm to their life, health, or rights due to the war.
- Collection and consolidation of information about the affected: After the data is recorded, state authorities will be able to provide support to citizens in verifying information regarding the harm caused.
- Accounting for government spending to support victims: This includes collecting information about state and local government expenses, as well as budget allocations for supporting citizens affected by the war.
Ensuring effective information exchange between registers
A key aspect of the new bill is ensuring data exchange between state registers and databases, which will ease the process of information gathering and reduce the bureaucratic burden on affected individuals. This will facilitate a quicker and more efficient recording of the harm caused. Additionally, in the future, citizens will be able to report harm via the “Diia” mobile app and through the Centers for Administrative Services (CNAPs).
Future steps for supporting those affected
The introduction of the System for accounting information about harm is only the first step in creating an effective support system for affected citizens. The Ministry of Social Policy has already begun developing and preparing a comprehensive law on measures to support affected individuals, which will provide additional forms of assistance, rehabilitation, and social support. This will create a unified system through which affected citizens can access necessary resources and help.
Collaboration for the adoption of the law
The adoption of this important bill was made possible through the active cooperation of the Government, Parliament, the President’s Office, international organizations, and civil society. This demonstrates a collective approach to addressing the problems faced by Ukrainians in the context of the war and emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to restoring rights and supporting citizens who have been affected by armed aggression.
This bill is an important step in ensuring the rights of affected citizens and providing them with necessary assistance. The non-property damage accounting system will serve as the foundation for effective support of individuals whose lives have been disrupted by the war and is part of a broader state policy strategy aimed at restoring and supporting citizens during the ongoing armed conflict.
