A woman in a wheel chair © CBM/MWH

German government announces increased investment in disability rights in Ukraine

The German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO) and Christian Blind Mission (CBM) have extended funding for the “Empower Ukraine” project until the end of 2025. This project supports the inclusion of at-risk groups, including persons with disabilities, in six regions of Ukraine.

With an additional €2.1 million investment, the project aims to further support vulnerable populations and strengthen local organisations’ capacities.

Anita Ohl-Meyer, head of the German Federal Foreign Office’s division for Humanitarian Assistance in Countries and Regions, said: “In Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, it is often the most vulnerable people who are suffering the most, yet remain the most silent. We are glad to have CBM and their local partners at our side. They support these vulnerable groups, for example, persons with disabilities or the elderly, even during the most difficult times and in areas close to the frontline.”

The project is supported and implemented by the European Disability Forum (EDF) and its members, the National Association of Persons with Disabilities (NAPD) and the League of the Strong (LoS).

The project supports internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, veterans, older people, single-headed households, and members of host communities with and without disabilities.

Oleksandra Boryshchak, who lost the ability to walk due to illness, is now a local leader and part of the “Time to step into the light” campaign by “The League of the Strong,” funded by the project.

Similarly, Ivan, who lives in a rural area and acquired a disability from an accident, now uses an electric wheelchair provided by the project through the National Assembly of Persons with Disabilities of Ukraine.

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A man in a wheel chair © CBM/MWH

Key activities of “Empower Ukraine” include:

  1. Cash and voucher transfers for food, non-food items, and shelter.
  2. Access to inclusive primary health and rehabilitation services.
  3. Inclusive Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services (MHPSS) at the community level.
  4. Raising awareness of the rights and needs of persons with disabilities.
  5. Strengthening the capacity of local partners for a scaled-up humanitarian response.

In less than 12 months, the project has achieved significant results:

  • Mental health resources reached 7,221 people, including 1,103 healthcare professionals trained in disability-inclusive mental health.
  • 6,593 people received transportation for medical care.
  • 3,528 people received cash benefits.
  • 1,528 assistive devices such as walkers, wheelchairs, hearing aids, and prosthetic devices were provided.

CBM’s Team Lead for Humanitarian Project Management, Till Küster, said, “The situation in Ukraine remains challenging for persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons and for the whole Ukrainian society in general. We see a complex situation of multiple needs and scarcities. So, a long-term commitment to the continuous support of Ukrainian organisations in their local and national response is needed more than ever now in times of war and conflict, but also to set ground and support local initiatives to work for a better perspective of Ukrainian society even after fighting and atrocities have ended.” 

Catherine Naughton, Executive Director of the European Disability Forum, added,

 “In the ongoing Russian war against Ukraine, it is important to see the rights of persons with disabilities are always included, both in the response but especially also in the recovery. This project aims to get humanitarian actors to work more closely with persons with disabilities and ensure they are included every step, not just as beneficiaries, but as technical experts and decision-makers”.

Larysa Bayda, NAPD's Project Coordinator at NAPD, emphasised the importance of reaching remote villages and supporting the most vulnerable.

"Continuing the project will further strengthen activities to support the target group, provide psychological support, and advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities during the humanitarian response and recovery."

Daria Sydorenko, Director at LoS, stressed the need for sustained support and long-term programmes for persons with disabilities in Ukraine.

"Ukraine needs sustained support, long-term programmes, and ongoing assistance to improve the situation for Ukrainians with disabilities affected by the Russian war. The Ukrainian Umbrella Union, "The League of the Strong”, continues to work within communities to bring about social change for persons with disabilities."

Publications and resources

  • Inclusive Humanitarian Action (IHA) Annual Report 2024

    pdf, 6.0MB, Accessible

    This report summarises CBM’s ongoing dedication to providing equitable support and practising a more inclusive humanitarian response across the world. As we continue to navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing world, we remain committed in our mission to ensure that every person, regardless of their abilities, has access to the support and opportunities they need to thrive.

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