Deputy Permanent Representative Olha Kuryshko joined the roundtable discussion “Volunteering in Ukraine: Ocean of Opportunities or Sea of Challenges?”, initiated by the Ukrainian Volunteer Service with the support of ISAR Ednannia within the framework of the USAID Ukraine Civil Society Sectoral Support Initiative project.

During the panel “Building the Resilience of Volunteers: How to Do Enough?”, Olha Kuryshko emphasized the importance of supporting the volunteer movement, which is a powerful component of the resilience of civil society in Ukraine. The Deputy Permanent Representative also highlighted that volunteers face many difficulties in conditions of war and occupation, but their efforts are crucial for ensuring minimum living conditions and protecting human rights. She also mentioned the non-violent resistance of Ukrainian citizens living in occupied Crimea and the threats they face from the occupying authorities.

“Hanging a national flag, distributing a patriotic leaflet, playing Ukrainian songs in public spaces, or writing the truth about the crimes of the occupiers on social media are commonplace for us. But for people living in the occupied territories, such actions can result in illegal prosecution, imprisonment, fines, and threats. But despite this, our people are demonstrating resistance to the occupiers and bringing Ukraine’s victory closer,” Olha Kuryshko noted.