Canada reiterates support for democratic reforms, human rights and peace in Ukraine

The contribution announced today by the Government of Canada is part of the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program (PSOPs). Efforts to find a lasting and sustainable resolution to the armed conflict affecting eastern Ukraine include funding for a number of multi-year projects totalling more than $30 million. This builds on the close to $40 million contribution of PSOPs’ predecessor, the Stabilization and Reconstruction Task Force (START), toward addressing Ukraine’s most immediate stabilization requirements.

Explosive reduction and clearance in conflict-affected areas of eastern Ukraine

Funding announced: $3,500,000

Time frame: 2016 to 2019

Canada is providing $3.5 million to the Swiss Foundation for Mine Action (FSD) to reduce the risk from landmines and other unexploded ordnance (UXO) to civilians in government-controlled areas of the Donbass region in eastern Ukraine. Working in close cooperation with the Government of Ukraine, Ukrainian security forces and Ukrainian emergency services, the FSD is helping to make conflict-affected communities safe for ordinary citizens and helping affected populations adapt to an environment contaminated by the detritus of war.

Human rights monitoring mission in Ukraine

Funding announced: $1,500,000

Time frame: 2016 to 2017

Canada is contributing $1.5 million to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to monitor the impact of the ongoing armed conflict affecting eastern Ukraine on the protection of human rights. Canadian support helps ensure that the OHCHR has the resources needed to monitor, investigate, document and report on human rights violations and abuses by all parties to the conflict. This work is essential to ensuring that those guilty of such violations can be held to account for their actions.

Improving contact line safety in Ukraine

Funding announced: $1,000,000

Time frame: 2017 to 2018

Canada is contributing $1 million to the International Organization for Migration to improve the safety and security of civilians at government-run contact line checkpoints. An estimated 625,000 civilians a month cross the contact line between government- and non-government-controlled areas in eastern Ukraine. Due to the ongoing armed conflict, civilians are unduly exposed to the risk of shelling, crossfire and mine hazards.

Dialogue for reform and social cohesion in Ukraine

Funding announced: $500,000

Time frame: 2016 to 2019

Canada is providing $500,000 to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) to support its efforts to foster dialogue between Ukraine’s central government, regional stakeholders, civil society organizations and conflict-affected communities with the express aim of addressing grievances, building trust and understanding, and promoting cooperation. This work will promote inclusive consultation, provide a voice to marginalized populations and help connect Ukraine’s government to some of its most vulnerable citizens.

Building Ukraine's humanitarian demining capacity

Funding announced: $390,000

Time frame: 2016 to 2019

Landmines and other UXO pose a significant threat to civilians in conflict-affected areas in Ukraine. Canada is providing close to $400,000 to the OSCE to strengthen the Ukrainian government’s capacity to develop policies, practices and institutions related to demining. This project will, among other things, build capacity, provide specialized training, produce a digital map of mine-contaminated areas and provide for the purchase of specialized equipment.