The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, and a delegation of the Government of Canada visited Chernihiv to meet with representatives of UNFPA-supported specialised services for survivors of domestic and gender-based violence. These services include Psychosocial support mobile teams and the "Vilna" safe space for women and girls.

The meeting was also attended by Mr. Alexandre Lévêque, Assistant Deputy Minister, H.E. Natalka Cmoc, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Canada to Ukraine, and representatives of local authorities and police. During the visit, they discussed the main needs and challenges faced by survivors in the Chernihiv community, what additional support is needed and how to improve women's access to specialised services.

Canada is a reliable partner of UNFPA Ukraine. Together we have been implementing the AMBER project since 2021. Its goal is to help communities develop effective systems for preventing and responding to gender-based violence (GBV) that meet the needs of survivors, especially in times of war.

“Canada has been supporting Ukraine in developing the comprehensive system of gender-based violence prevention and response for many years now.  The matter of gender-based violence should no longer be a taboo in any society. It is vital to ensure that survivors of gender-based violence, including conflict-related sexual violence, feel confident to seek help, and have access to quality services and timely assistance.” - Minister Joly said.

Thanks to the support of the Canadian government and the AMBER project:

•  UNFPA cooperates with 25 communities across Ukraine to build a comprehensive system for combating SGBV.
• 32 specialized support services created for survivors in 25 communities: psychosocial support mobile teams, crisis rooms, shelters, day centers of social and psychological assistance and primary counseling services. In 2023, more than 5,300 people received support from the specialists of these services.
• Three safe spaces for women and girls "Vilna" created. They are a life-saving entry point for gender-based violence response services in the regions, focusing on comprehensive mental health care, referral to specialized services and preventive measures. Since December 2022, these spaces have provided access to necessary services to 14,406 women and girls.
• Specialists in the provision of services in the field of SGBV are constantly improving their knowledge and skills. Since 2021, more than 2,000 experts have participated in specialized trainings.

“I am very much impressed by the resilience and incredible work done on a daily basis by local authorities, social workers, psychologists, and the National police. I would like to thank you for your work and assure you that Canada remains a good friend and supporter of Ukraine," Minister Joly added.

In July 2023, 15 communities, including Chernihiv, were selected to participate in the new wave of the project. In particular, in Chernihiv, we are working together to establish a Day Centre for Social and Psychological Assistance in the city, where survivors of domestic and gender based violence will be able to receive social, psychological and legal assistance. 

UNFPA is grateful to the Government of Canada for its effective support and long-term cooperation in preventing and combating domestic and gender-based violence.