Survivors of conflict-related sexual violence will be able to receive interim reparations

Ukraine has introduced new rules for implementing the protection mechanism for people who have survived conflict-related sexual violence. The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine adopted Resolution No. 811, approving the procedures for recognising a person as a survivor and granting an urgent financial payment. This decision continues the implementation of the Law of Ukraine "On Legal and Social Protection of Persons Affected by Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Caused by the Armed Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine and the Provision of Urgent Interim Reparations," which established the foundations of state policy in this area.

The Resolution approves four key documents:

1. the Regulation on the Commission;
2. the Procedure for submitting an application for recognition as a survivor;
3. the Procedure for considering matters related to the recognition of a person as a survivor;
4. the Procedure for granting and paying the urgent financial payment.

In addition, the Government determined the sources of financing for these payments and separately amended the rules for calculating a family's average monthly total income so that this assistance will not affect eligibility for other forms of state social support.

Amount of the payment

The Resolution provides for a one-time urgent financial payment of EUR 3,000, which will be paid in the hryvnia equivalent at the official exchange rate of the National Bank of Ukraine on the date the payment is granted. The Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine has separately emphasised that this payment will be available to survivors, including children born as a result of such violence.

The payments will not be financed through additional state budget expenditures. Instead, they will be funded through voluntary contributions from international and national partners, organisations, and donors to a special account opened by the Ministry of Social Policy with the National Bank of Ukraine.

Who will review the applications

To implement this mechanism, a specialised Commission will be established under the Ministry of Social Policy. The Commission will be responsible for considering applications for recognition as a survivor.

The Resolution also provides that regional military administrations and the Kyiv City Military Administration must nominate specialists who will support applicants, assist them in preparing the required documents, and participate in interviews.

How a person can apply

A person who considers themselves to be a survivor of conflict-related sexual violence submits an application to the Commission requesting recognition as a survivor.

The following documents must be attached to the application:

1. a copy of an identity document;
2. if the application is submitted by the legal representative of a child under the age of 14, a copy of the child's birth certificate or an extract from the State Register of Civil Status Acts, a copy of the legal representative's identity document, and a document confirming their authority;
3. documents and materials confirming the circumstances and facts indicating that conflict-related sexual violence occurred (certificates, medical documents, extracts from registration logs, and other supporting evidence);
4. informed consent from the survivor or their legal representative;
5. a document containing the bank account details of the recipient or their legal representative.

Some information may be obtained by the state through electronic information exchange based on the data provided in the application.

Important! If a person has already been recognised as a victim in criminal proceedings concerning violations of the laws and customs of war, the Commission may recognise them as a survivor without conducting an additional interview.

In other cases, the designated specialist conducts an interview with the applicant. During the interview, the specialist completes an interview questionnaire, prepares an assessment, and, where necessary, assists the applicant in collecting and properly preparing the required documents.

When will the mechanism become operational

The Resolution will enter into force three months after its official publication, on 27 September 2026. During this period, the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine must develop the procedure for information exchange between state authorities during the consideration of applications, while regional military administrations and the Kyiv City Military Administration must nominate specialists who will support survivors throughout the process. Local self-government bodies are also encouraged to introduce their own programmes and other forms of financial support for survivors.