International Volunteer Day
“Together, act now. Volunteer for a better tomorrow.” That’s the motto of this year’s International Volunteer Day, also known as International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development. As a sign for our common future, it is intended to illustrate that positive change in society requires joint commitment.
Initiated by the UN in 1985, the day takes place annually on December 5th and provides recognition for volunteers worldwide. In addition to aiming to inspire more people to take on the important task of volunteering, as well as encouraging support from governments, the integration of volunteer work also plays a role in the fulfillment and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
United, the volunteers have the opportunity to develop approaches to solutions. “Trust, humility, respect and equality” being the basis of solidarity are also reflected in volunteer work. These values in particular are indispensable in a world full of increasing injustice.
For more information on this topic and how to become a volunteer yourself, please visit the UN official page.
From its foundation in 2007 until now the Center for Civil Liberties mobilized a large number of volunteers. CCL has witnessed the most important events in Ukrainian modern history, including the turbulent events of the Maidan protests (2014), the war in Donbas as well as the full-scale Russian invasion (2014-2022). The collaboration with various NGOs and volunteers helped not only to unite forces but also to solve complex human rights issues, especially in the face of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The CCL has launched a separate study program for citizens at the Kyiv School of Human Rights and Democracy. It organizes regular educational events in Kyiv and other cities as well as international activities abroad. The school conducts open lectures, training, discussions, film screenings, educational weekends, round table talks and curricular courses. Participants of educational events have the opportunity to learn more about human rights, take part in related activities, and become a volunteer for the Centre for Civil Liberties. Also, the school’s alumni community includes more than 3,000 people from Ukraine and other countries of the Eurasian region.
The OZON public monitoring group is an initiative of the Centre for Civil Liberties, which carries out public control over the activities of law enforcement agencies, courts, and local governments in various regions of Ukraine.
Furthermore, volunteers are working on the preparation of recommendations for state authorities and international organizations. Since 2018, the initiative has also been monitoring the effectiveness of investigating cases of pressure and persecution of civil society activists in Kyiv and the regions. Also, civil society activists can engage in monitoring the activities of the police, courts and local government authorities.
The initiative is active in different regions of the country and brings together ordinary people regardless of legal knowledge or special experience in civilian control. We believe that every citizen of Ukraine has the power to be part of the change.
Find out more about how to become a CCL volunteer.
Photo by Austin Kehmeier on Unsplash.
