On May 24th, Ambassador Ole Mikkelsen took part in the transfer of 15 inclusive vehicles provided by the Government of Denmark, via UNFPA (the United Nations Population Fund), during an event in Kyiv
The vehicles will help mobile teams of psychosocial support continue to help people with disabilities who are survivors of gender-based violence and domestic violence in 13 regions of the country. The mobile teams are supported by UNFPA in coordination with the Office of the Vice Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine.
With the start of a full-scale invasion in February 2022 and a high number of internally displaced persons, the issues of response and preventing gender-based violence have become particularly relevant and necessary. Therefore, the first mobile teams psychosocial support were launched in April 2022. Currently, 100 UNFPA mobile teams operate throughout Ukraine, providing free social and psychological assistance to gender-based violence survivors and, if necessary, referring them to other specialized services. The mobile teams also support people in remote and hard-to-reach areas, near the frontline in Eastern and Southern Ukraine, and transport survivors of domestic violence and gender-based violence to receive assistance and services. The mobile teams also conduct outreach activities, including providing information on rights, available services, and confidential and survivor-oriented support options. As of May 2023, mobile teams had provided over 100,000 services, including for cases of domestic and gender-based violence.
“Most of the vehicles that Denmark has provided to support Ukraine are military vehicles in green camouflage colours. This reflects that the biggest component in Denmark’s support is defence equipment. But Ukraine’s struggle is not only for freedom and survival as a nation. It is also about defending European values. I am proud that Denmark is donating 15 vehicles to help survivors of gender-based violence, including people with disabilities, in Ukraine. Denmark is committed to supporting survivors of gender-based violence, and we hope that these vehicles will provide a much-needed lifeline for those who may feel isolated or alone. We strongly believe in the importance of inclusivity and accessibility to everyone, and we are honoured to partner with UNFPA and Ukraine in this critical endeavour”, – said Ole Egberg Mikkelsen in his speech.
Please download the full speech text here (PDF).
