Kyiv, 31 October 2024 – The European Union (EU), the Government of Denmark and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine handed over nine new vehicles for National Police of Ukraine mobile groups to work in Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Sumy, Poltava, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, Kherson and Mykolaiv oblasts (in territories under the control of the Government of Ukraine).

This transfer is a part of a coordinated effort to improve the response to domestic and gender-based violence in communities. The total cost of the delivery amounts to US$391,854. 

The onset of the full-scale war in Ukraine has exacerbated issues of domestic and gender-based violence, posing new challenges for communities when delivering timely, effective support to violence survivors. Strengthening the National Police with essential resources to safeguard vulnerable populations, especially women and girls, has thus become a priority within ongoing programmes by UNDP and partners focused on violence prevention, access to justice, and human rights protection.

The newly provided vehicles – part of the EU, Denmark, and UNDP’s collaborative efforts – will significantly increase police teams’ mobility and responsiveness, contributing to rapid interventions, enhanced security and essential support for people facing violence in their communities.

Kateryna Pavlichenko, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, noted: “Domestic violence remains a significant challenge requiring a comprehensive approach. Police officers are the first to connect with survivors, offering critical support and assistance at their most vulnerable moments. We are sincerely grateful to our international partners for their support, which enables the police to respond even more swiftly and effectively to challenges and provide essential help to survivors.”

Ole Egberg Mikkelsen, Ambassador of Denmark to Ukraine, said: “The vehicles will be used by mobile teams combating sexual and gender-based violence in frontline communities. Denmark is supporting this donation, as safe local communities free from such violence are part of the fundamental values that Ukraine is fighting to protect—values that Danes and Ukrainians share. I am proud that Denmark is contributing to this effort as part of our overall support for Ukraine, because Ukraine’s freedom is also our freedom, and Ukraine’s struggle is also our struggle”.

Stefan Schleuning, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Ukraine, said: “Maintaining the stability of Ukraine’s law enforcement system in conditions of war is an important element of our joint work with the Ministry of Interior of Ukraine, the National Police and UNDP under the EU4Recovery programme. Our support to strengthen rapid response teams of police units to combat gender-based violence is another step towards safer communities across Ukraine.”

Jaco Cilliers, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, noted: “This initiative aligns with our broader mission – strengthening national institutions and ensuring human rights protection in Ukraine despite the war. We will continue implementing measures to reinforce the law enforcement system, empower the police to respond swiftly and deliver justice, and help to break the cycle of violence.”

Background

Nine Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 cars were purchased with financial support from the European Union (in the framework of the “EU4Recovery — Empowering communities in Ukraine”, project) and the Government of Denmark (in the framework of the “Enhanced Citizen Engagement for Improved Community Security, Strengthened Social Fabric and Increased Stability in Areas Affected by the War in Eastern Ukraine and Beyond” project). Five machines were purchased with European Union funds, and four with the funds of the Government of Denmark.

Media enquiries

Yulia Samus, Head of Communications, UNDP in Ukraine, yuliia.samus@undp.org