Protection and Prospects for Those Affected by War
The war in Ukraine has triggered a massive humanitarian crisis affecting millions of people. War veterans and their families, as well as survivors of gender-based violence, face significant challenges: trauma, economic insecurity, and a lack of social protection mechanisms make reintegration difficult. Solidar Suisse, together with local partners, is committed to building support networks and providing sustainable aid.
War, Trauma, and Social Challenges: The Humanitarian Crisis in Ukraine
The ongoing war in Ukraine has triggered a massive humanitarian crisis affecting millions of people. Beyond the direct threat of hostilities, many suffer from the indirect consequences of the conflict, including the destruction of civilian infrastructure, the disruption of social services, and persistent economic insecurity. War veterans and their families are particularly affected, often struggling with both psychological and physical burdens. More than 1.2 million veterans urgently require reintegration and protection measures, while domestic violence and gender-based violence (GBV) are on the rise. Many also face significant challenges in their social and economic reintegration. Despite government programs, there is often a lack of specialized and easily accessible support services to provide sustainable assistance.
At the same time, existing social issues have been exacerbated by the war. Gender-based violence, particularly domestic violence, has increased in recent years. Women, who often have to provide for their families alone, face heightened risks, while the psychological strain and shifting gender roles among men also contribute to tensions within families and communities. In regions with high numbers of internally displaced persons, such as Vinnytsia and Dnipropetrovsk, social protection mechanisms are overstretched or entirely absent. Many affected individuals are unaware of where to seek help or hesitate to do so out of fear of stigma.
Inclusive Protection Networks for a Secure Future
Solidar Suisse, in collaboration with local partners, is committed to supporting vulnerable populations, particularly war veterans, their families, and GBV survivors, to ensure long-term social integration and protection.
The “Inclusive Protection Networks” project aims to provide comprehensive protection measures and psychosocial support for highly vulnerable groups. The primary focus is on war veterans and their families, survivors of gender-based violence, and other individuals affected by the conflict. By establishing mobile protection teams and protection hubs, the project ensures that those in need have access to psychosocial counseling, social care, and legal support. At the same time, local civil society organizations are strengthened to build sustainable protection structures in the long run.
A key aspect of the project is the social and economic reintegration of war veterans. Many face psychological challenges and structural barriers in transitioning to civilian life. To improve their quality of life sustainably, the project offers psychological support as well as targeted information and training programs. In addition, it promotes awareness campaigns and workshops on gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health, and social integration. To further enhance protection, a “Cash-for-Protection” program provides financial support to particularly vulnerable individuals, helping to minimize acute protection risks.
The empowerment of local NGOs plays a crucial role in the project’s implementation. By building their capacities, the initiative ensures that these organizations can continue to provide protection measures for vulnerable groups beyond the project duration. The project is being implemented in the Vinnytsia and Dnipropetrovsk regions, contributing to the establishment of long-term protection mechanisms and strengthening social cohesion in Ukraine.
This project is supported by Swiss Solidarity.