An international event in Vilnius has underscored the critical importance of protecting social rights in Ukraine in spite of the ongoing war of aggression by Russia and of the protection of children's rights as the most vulnerable group affected by the conflict. It also highlighted the role of the European Social Charter in aligning Ukrainian legislation with EU standards.
The full-scale aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine has profoundly impacted the lives of millions of Ukrainians, with many seeking refuge abroad or becoming internally displaced, with their homes destroyed and their social and economic rights profoundly violated.
The event, entitled “Protecting Social Rights in Times of War in Ukraine” was co-organised by the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine and the Ministry of Social Security and Labour of Lithuania. It was held within the framework of the Council of Europe project “Enhanced Social Protection in Ukraine”, on the eve of a High-Level Conference on the European Social Charter, in Vilnius on 4 July 2024.
Addressing the event, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, emphasized: “Embedding human rights in peace and reconstruction processes makes for fairer and more durable outcomes.”
Oksana Zholnovych, Minister of Social Policy of Ukraine, remarked: “Building strategic partnership is key to aligning Ukrainian legislation with European standards. Today, each social right guaranteed by the European Social Charter is in the crosshairs of Russian missiles. Ensuring adequate levels of social rights is challenging for us, but we strive to do so every day thanks to the support of the European community. We sincerely appreciate our partners who support us every step of this important journey”.
Vytautas Silinskas, Minister of Social Security and Labour of Lithuania added: “Ensuring social rights amidst Putin's ruthless war on Ukraine is undeniably challenging, yet incredibly crucial. Social rights form the bedrock of democracy, a key tenet that defines the strength of Europe. Members of the European Social Charter have a vital role in assisting Ukraine to safeguard social rights, taking into account the constraints imposed by the ongoing war. Lithuania, together with the rest of Europe, stands firmly in solidarity with Ukraine. Our dedication to aiding Ukraine remains steadfast, as evidenced by our actions today. We remain resolute in our unwavering support to bolster Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression and to help uphold social rights within the nation“.
The event brought together over 60 participants in person and more than 100 online, including representatives from the authorities of Ukraine, Lithuania, Sweden, Moldova, Estonia, the Netherlands, France and other Council of Europe member states, as well as members of the European Committee of Social Rights, international experts, Ukrainian civil society activists and journalists.
The Council of Europe stands with Ukraine during these challenging times by implementing its largest Action Plan for the country: "Resiliency, Recovery, and Reconstruction" for 2023-2026. As part of the Action Plan, the project "Enhanced Social Protection in Ukraine", aims to ensure that vulnerable groups, including the war-affected population in Ukraine, enjoy improved social rights and social protection.
The event on "Protecting Social Rights in Times of War in Ukraine" highlighted the vital role the Council of Europe plays through its social rights-related cooperation projects, which received widespread praise from participants.
