Recovery is more about restoring what was destroyed. In many cases, rather than revisiting failed projects or approaches, it is often more crucial to create new ones that align better with the current requirements. The Transparent Cities program analyzes how national and local authorities plan and implement restoration projects.
New care model
In the European Commission's latest report, which outlines the conclusions regarding the initiation of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU, a specific section addresses the issues of deinstitutionalization in care institutions, particularly boarding schools, for both children and adults with disabilities.
This implies a substantial shift in the care model in Ukraine: the isolated system of boarding schools should be replaced with a service-oriented model, allowing people to receive all necessary support for a normal life while residing at home and actively participating in social, economic, and cultural processes.
It should be acknowledged that the number of people with disabilities is expected to increase significantly after the war. It is not yet possible to say exactly how many victims we are talking about. First, the war is still going on. Second, a significant part of such statistics remains classified. Third, the detrimental effects of war on the body may manifest over time. Still, it is possible to give minimal estimates.
Last year, Ukraine received instructions from the European Commission to pursue the status of a candidate member of the European Union. Among other factors, the estimated number of people with disabilities in Ukraine is almost 6% of the population. This represents the minimum estimate, as disability in our country is determined medically, based on decisions from the relevant authorities. For comparison, the World Health Organization reports that the global percentage of people with disabilities reaches 16%.
In that environment, some public activists are concerned about the government's intention to seek international funding for the restoration of boarding schools, a move that directly contradicts EU requirements. The representatives of the FIGHT FOR RIGHT association draw attention to the fact that in the joint report of the World Bank, the EU, the UN, and the Government of Ukraine titled “Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment: February 2022 –2023,” the state is requesting $127.5 million specifically for the restoration of boarding schools. However, according to association representatives, these funds should be allocated to transform the system and guarantee the right to an independent, full-fledged life.
Structural changes
If the abandonment of the boarding school model is a prerequisite for creating an inclusive society, numerous changes in infrastructure are essential, including improving the accessibility of common spaces and simplifying access to social facilities.
In general, the inclusivity of restoration is addressed in the majority of program documents and best practices within the working groups of the Plan for the Restoration of Ukraine, encompassing various areas, from cultural life to urban restoration and healthcare. However, so far, the Plan for the Restoration of Ukraine has not been approved.
On the other hand, the State Agency for Restoration and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine is already integrating barrier-free approaches into the country's reconstruction plans. For example, in October 2023, the Agency signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with barrier-free experts.
Another government initiative, “Barrier-Free Recovery,” involves updating state building codes to align with barrier-free requirements and establishing a monitoring system for violations of inclusivity standards. Among the planned activities is training in the current practices of designing barrier-free spaces for architects, as well as experts in urban planning and transport. They plan to implement the project by the end of 2024.
Ukraine's partners play an important role in inclusive reconstruction issues. According to the results of the Ukraine Recovery Conference in June 2023 in London, Ukraine Facility was established. This is a special tool managed by the European Commission. Its task is to finance the restoration of Ukraine from 2024 to 2027, for which €50 billion has been allocated. At the same time, the funding should promote integration into the EU and facilitate the transition to a digital, green, and inclusive economy.
It is also worth mentioning Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine “Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction” 2023-2026. It says that any projects are possible only if the standards of inclusivity are met. In addition, according to the Plan, the Council of Europe will support the implementation of the national strategy for creating a barrier-free space in Ukraine for the period up to 2030 and monitor the relevant action plans within the framework of this strategy.
Owing to the oversight of the EU and international donors, ongoing support for inclusive reconstruction will persist.
Successful practices
While the war continues, reconstruction projects are often restrained by existing threats, but where possible, they are being implemented now.
For example, in October 2023, the Ministry of Restoration of Ukraine reported the opening of an inclusive school in the village of Shyshaky (Poltava Oblast). At the school, in accordance with the principles of accessibility, bathroom facilities were renovated, ramps were installed, and an elevator and lift were put into operation. In addition, energy efficiency has been significantly improved.
The project was implemented within the framework of the Emergency Loan Program for the Reconstruction of Ukraine. According to the terms of this program, communities receive funds on a non-refundable basis, and the loan is repaid by the state from the state budget. Financing was sourced from the local budget (€100 thousand) and augmented by a €1 million loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB).
The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine aims to systemize a barrier-free approach. Now, the Ministry's team, in collaboration with the NGO Mariupol Reborn and Big City Lab, is developing a child-centered concept for rebuilding typical schools that have been destroyed. New establishments should be modern, barrier-free, and equipped with shelters.
Another aspect is adaptation to space after injuries. For example, the “MODERN VIEW” All-Ukrainian Association of Organizations of Persons with Visual Impairments recently organized the “Life After the War” camp, dedicated to the social adaptation of veterans who lost their vision in the war and their families. Veterans are assisted in acquiring the skills to navigate home and urban spaces, enabling them to maximize their independence.
Infrastructure facilities are also being updated. At the Kyiv railway station, at least one accessible toilet is already in operation, as reported by Ukrzaliznytsia back in August. In the same report, it was mentioned that, with the financial support of UNICEF Ukraine, there are plans to open five such accessible toilets. In addition, not too long ago, Ukrzaliznytsia launched the Barrier-Free Literacy project for its personnel, reporting that over 10 thousand company employees have already undergone the respective training.
International partners are prepared to continue contributing to the restoration of Ukraine's infrastructure facilities. At the end of November, the State Agency for Restoration and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine reported that Slovenia is ready to allocate up to EUR 5 million for the restoration of infrastructure facilities. The funds will be provided to grantees to cover up to half of the cost of projects.
Transparency International Ukraine, for its part, has prepared a recovery concept that will contribute to a more efficient use of resources. The proposed architecture for the restoration process will help minimize risks during the implementation of restoration projects, particularly in terms of barrier-free operation, by reducing the number of low-quality applications.
Ukrainian society is transforming due to the war, with both military and civilians facing physical and psychological traumas. However, these challenges should not hinder their ability to return to a fulfilling life. That is why it is fundamentally important that the country's reconstruction is inclusive.
This publication was made possible by the support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) within the Support to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions in Ukraine (SACCI). The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of Transparency International Ukraine and does not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.