The Free Legal Aid system and the Department for the Execution of Criminal Sentences have launched a project to make legal aid more accessible to war veterans in places of detention.
The project aims to create an effective communication channel between war veterans and the Free Legal Aid system so that their legal issues can be addressed without delay.
Penitentiary institutions holding the largest numbers of people who took part in defending Ukraine have joined the initiative.
What the project will provide
War veterans in places of detention will receive timely access to free legal aid and qualified legal consultations. Assistance may cover issues such as restoring documents, accessing social protection and obtaining combatant status.
The project will also improve legal awareness, help identify and resolve legal problems arising during imprisonment, and strengthen opportunities for veterans’ social adaptation and reintegration after release. Veteran volunteers involved in the initiative will be able to remain socially active and gain new knowledge and experience.
Work completed so far
Before the launch, the partners identified 12 penitentiary institutions currently holding the largest numbers of veterans and former members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Veteran volunteers were trained to inform other veterans about legal consultations and help collect requests for assistance.
Responsible staff members were appointed in the penitentiary institutions and interregional free legal aid centres. They received training and established direct communication. The partners also tested a digital tool for submitting veterans’ requests and maintaining communication between the Free Legal Aid system and penitentiary institutions.
How the project works
Information about a veteran’s request for legal aid is transferred promptly using digital tools, including the Paralegals mobile application.
Rapid communication. A designated penitentiary staff member submits information about a veteran’s legal needs through the mobile application. Staff at an interregional free legal aid centre review the request and arrange a consultation date and time.
Online consultations. Consultations are provided by video conference in equipped internet classrooms at penitentiary institutions. Free Legal Aid system lawyers may conduct individual consultations and, where appropriate, group sessions.
Peer-to-peer support. Veteran volunteers among people serving sentences inform other veterans about legal aid, help collect requests and pass them to the designated staff member.
The project has already entered its practical phase: the first requests have been referred to lawyers and consultations have taken place.
The Free Legal Aid system is committed to ensuring that every war veteran can receive the legal aid they need, regardless of their circumstances or location. Behind every request is a person who needs support, protection of their rights and confidence that they will not be left alone with their problem.