Ilona Havronska at the 64th Session of the UN Commission for Social Development: Ukraine Stands by Its Citizens Even in the Darkest Times

During a working visit to the United States, Ilona Havronska, Deputy Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine for European Integration, took part in the 64th session of the UN Commission for Social Development. This year, the session focused on the theme “Advancing social development and social justice through coordinated, equitable, and inclusive policies.”

Addressing the participants, Ilona Havronska emphasized that for Ukraine, social justice primarily means ensuring people’s fundamental rights even in the most challenging circumstances.

“As a result of another wave of large-scale attacks on our energy infrastructure, millions of people are left without electricity, heat, and water during severe winter conditions. In such a situation, social justice takes on an extremely practical meaning: the right to warmth, the right to reliable communication to call for help, and the certainty that the state stands by its citizens even in the darkest times,” Ilona Havronska stated.

In this context, the Deputy Minister outlined Ukraine’s key principles for advancing social justice. First and foremost, this includes rapid coordination of the support system through the Humanitarian and Social Protection Account, which makes it possible to ensure uninterrupted assistance even in crisis conditions. Another essential element is the digitalization of social services through a “single digital window,” which guarantees equal access to assistance even when physical infrastructure is damaged or destroyed. In addition, Ukraine is focusing on the development of a nationwide network of Resilience Centers, which provide physical warmth, psychosocial support, and a sense of community.

Earlier, Ilona Havronska participated in a meeting of EU Senior Officials responsible for humanitarian assistance to Ukraine in Brussels.

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