Under the auspices of the Association of Ukrainian Cities (AUC), mayors and local officials of 60 communities, as well as representatives of the Parliament and the Government, gathered in Kyiv on 8 November 2024 to address pressing issues faced by the country’s de-occupied and temporarily occupied communities, such as housing, access to employment, and education.
“Local authorities will be at forefront to ensure the sustainable future of de-occupied and temporarily occupied territories. They will have a key role in securing the restauration of democracy, human rights and rule of law while ensuring social cohesion and delivering services,” stressed Amelie Tarschys–Ingre (Sweden, L, ILDG), Co-Rapporteur on Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities. She further noted that partnerships with European municipalities will also greatly contribute to the recovery process.
Vadym Boichenko, mayor of Mariupol and chairperson of the AUC’s Committee for the development of de-occupied and temporarily occupied communities, noted that “We need to grant access to justice and protect the rights of our citizens. This includes documenting the damages caused by the war, but also ensuring access to education and housing."
Congress Director Claudia Luciani highlighted the important role played by local and regional authorities in the promotion and use of the Register of Damage Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. She also welcomed the AUC’s initiative to establish a Community Recovery Academy to enhance the skills and capacities of local authorities in the recovery process, and reaffirmed the Congress’ support in this endeavour.
The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities works closely with local authorities all over Ukraine and with the Association of Ukrainian Cities as part of the project “Strengthening multi-level governance, democracy and human rights at local level in Ukraine” implemented within the Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine “Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction” for 2023-2026. The project aims to strengthen the dialogue, partnership and consultation between different levels of government; enhance collaborative governance and citizen participation in line with the principles of local democracy and open government; and promote and guarantee the right to equality and non-discrimination at local level, for the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine.
