Legal issues without "deadlines": how southerners can get free legal aid

Odesa, Mykolaiv, and Kherson regions are regions where many legal challenges are being faced today: from restoring documents and payments to IDPs to applying for subsidies in the middle of war. It is difficult to understand acts and regulations on your own, which is why the League of the Strong public union has launched the Accessible Law project.

This is a format of legal advice where experts speak clear language, and the main goal is to help a person take the very first step towards solving their problem.

The ability to explain complex legal terms and excerpts from laws in simple terms was one of the most important requirements when looking for lawyers for the project. Preference was given to those specialists who can convey information simply and easily.

Specialists provide primary care, i.e., they advise and explain to people what the first step to solving a problem should be. However, if necessary, specialists can provide a second opinion, or if people need help with drafting documents or representation in courts, the request can be redirected to a partner organization that provides such services.

Who can apply for help?

What issues do lawyers help with?

Statistics of appeals shows that most often people are concerned about specific mundane problems. The specialists of "Accessible Law" have already processed hundreds of requests, including:

• For IDPs (40% of all requests): assistance with accommodation payments, humanitarian aid and compensation for damaged property (about 15% of requests from IDPs).
• For pensioners: recalculation and processing of pensions, the intricacies of obtaining subsidies and social benefits.
• Specialized issues: preparing documents for the EITC, obtaining day care services, and protecting the rights of people with disabilities.

Important: Project lawyers provide primary assistance - they explain the algorithm of actions. If the case requires a trial or filing a lawsuit, the request can be redirected to specialized partner organizations.

How to get a consultation?

You don't have to go anywhere to get help. Consultations are provided remotely, which is especially convenient for residents of remote communities or people with limited mobility.

The Union has been operating since 2021. Its key areas of focus include advocacy, changing the perception of disability in Ukrainian society, increasing the accessibility of services and spaces, and promoting the employment and economic inclusion of people with disabilities.

"We launched Accessible Law so that every person with a disability, those who are in the process of establishing it, as well as relatives of people with disabilities, have access to basic legal advice and understand what legal options are available to them. For example, where to apply for a social day care service or what documents are needed to pass the EITC. Our experts will explain in simple terms whether your rights have been violated, where to find the necessary services and what your first step is," says Daria Kukurika, Executive Director of the League of the Strong.

For reference: The project is being implemented by the League of the Strong and the International Rescue Committee in Ukraine with the support of the UK government through UK aid under the BLOOM Program.

Сергій Лозовський