How Veterans return to Civilian Life and Support the Families of the Fallen

A seminar on veteran policy and support for bereaved families in Chernivtsi

On November 2, a seminar was held at the Chernivtsi Regional Military Administration to discuss the basics of veterans’ policy and the results of a nationwide survey among veterans, their families, family members of the fallen, and representatives of veterans’ organizations.

Organized by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), these seminars are held in different cities of Ukraine as part of the “Resilience Pathway” project with the support of the Federal Foreign Office of Germany. It serves as a platform to present the basics of veteran policy in Ukraine.

The event was attended by Tatyana Stasyshyna, Director for Cooperation with Governmental Authorities of the Children of Heroes CF.

The seminar tackled various aspects of the social reintegration of veterans, the identification of physical and other barriers to social reintegration, and the role played by veterans’ organizations to support them and the families of the fallen, building an inclusive society.

Alyona Atamaniuk, First Deputy Head of the Chernivtsi Regional Military Administration, emphasized the importance of having an open conversation on the problems faced by defenders returning from war, and an active support to resolve these issues. In particular, there should be enough attention to families who lost their loved ones in the war.

Nika Savchak, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) representative in the Chernivtsi region, discussed the results of a nationwide survey among veterans and their families, which indicate the need for support among veterans.

Olha Khodoba, Director of the Social Protection Department of the Chernivtsi Regional Military Administration, expressed a reasonable opinion that there are more and more military veterans in Ukraine whom we should support. “Each veteran has his or her own unique needs and requests: from financial to medical, psychological, or humanitarian support,” she said. In addition, she also recognized the cooperation of the military administration with the Children of Heroes Charity Fund for taking care of children who lost their parents as a result of the war, and the importance of engaging socially responsible businesses to support the families of veterans and the fallen.

Olha emphasized the value of taking these needs into account and ensuring that all veterans can successfully return to everyday civilian life. This is the mission of everyone working in this field is to be a reliable support to veterans and the families of fallen Heroes.

“This seminar is an important step towards supporting families who have lost their loved ones. At such events, positive decisions are jointly made to provide proper assistance and honor to these families, as well as to the children of the fallen Heroes. In this way, we show not only respect for them but also provide them with tools to overcome stress and return to normal life,” says Tetiana Stasyshyna, Director of Government Relations at the Children of Heroes Charity Foundation.

In early October, the Children of Heroes CF signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Chernivtsi Regional Military Administration to support the children of Bukovyna, who are the beneficiaries of the charitable organization.