Emergency response for persons with disabilities affected by the conflict in northern Ukraine
The project
In response to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, CBM Italia, in collaboration with its local partner League of the Strong (LoS), is proposing an emergency intervention aimed at responding to the current needs of people with disabilities in the areas most affected by the conflict, with a specific focus on the Chernihiv Oblast, a region in the north of the country. The project aims to ensure a rapid and inclusive response, improving the living conditions of these people, access to social protection services, the removal of physical and regulatory barriers, and the strengthening of their autonomy and active participation in the community.
In the long term, it aims to strengthen the capacity of local organisations to respond inclusively to the crisis, supporting community resilience, fostering social inclusion and promoting a fair, accessible and sustainable protection system.
The context
In April 2025, Ukraine entered its fourth year of large-scale conflict, with serious repercussions for the civilian population. According to the Ukraine Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan 2025 (OCHA, April 2025), approximately 13 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance. Among the most vulnerable and least reached groups are people with disabilities, whose condition has been further aggravated by the war. Before the war, there were an estimated 2.7 million people with disabilities in Ukraine. This number rose by approximately 300,000 in 2023, bringing the percentage from 6.2% to 7.4% of the population. The European Disability Forum estimates that there are over 3 million people with disabilities in the country, including working-age adults and veterans.
The Chernihiv Oblast in northern Ukraine is one of the most vulnerable regions in the country, marked by structural problems and heavily affected since the early stages of the invasion, with over 150,000 displaced persons and approximately 9,200 civilian buildings damaged or destroyed.
Before the large-scale invasion of 2022, the region was already distinguished by a fragile social fabric, characterised by a rural economy and deep-rooted economic inequalities. Limited access to public services – health, education, transport – contributed to making daily life precarious, especially for isolated communities and for elderly or disabled people.
The military invasion exacerbated these fragilities, with Chernihiv being one of the first regions to come under attack. The region has one of the highest incidences of disability among military veterans, reflecting the direct impact of the conflict on the physical and mental health of combatants. The local health and social fabric has progressively deteriorated, especially in rural areas, undermining support networks and amplifying the isolation of the most vulnerable people.
General Objective
The general objective of the project is to contribute to the inclusion and protection of persons with disabilities in fragile areas of Ukraine.
Specific Objectives
The specific objective is to promote an inclusive humanitarian response for persons with disabilities in the Chernihiv Oblast, while strengthening the response capacity of the partner organisation League of the Strong.
Target group
The direct beneficiaries of the intervention will be 335 persons with disabilities and “highly vulnerable” persons, hosted in Centres for Displaced Persons or residing in the Chernihiv Oblast.
In addition, 1,500 vulnerable persons will be reached through information campaigns on the rights of persons with disabilities and the social protection mechanisms available. Finally,
Activities
The intervention involves the provision of personal assistance aids and devices (such as wheelchairs and hearing aids) and a legal and administrative support service – to facilitate access to rights and social benefits – to 335 people with disabilities and high vulnerability.
At the same time, an information campaign on rights and available protection measures will be implemented. Finally, the project includes psychosocial support and capacity building for the staff of the partner organisation League of the Strong, aimed at preventing burnout and ensuring continuity of care.
Expected Results
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Improved functional independence and legal empowerment of people with disabilities
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Strengthened and enhanced capacity of the partner organisation to respond effectively to the needs of people with disabilities in crisis contexts.
Partners
