EU, DENMARK AND UNDP TRANSFER VEHICLES FOR NATIONAL POLICE TO STRENGTHEN MOBILE TEAMS TO COMBAT DOMESTIC AND GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

The European Union (EU), the Government of Denmark and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine handed over nine new vehicles for National Police of Ukraine mobile groups to work in Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Sumy, Poltava, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, Kherson and Mykolaiv oblasts (in territories under the control of the Government of Ukraine).

The onset of the full-scale war in Ukraine has exacerbated issues of domestic and gender-based violence, posing new challenges for communities when delivering timely, effective support to violence survivors. Strengthening the National Police with essential resources to safeguard vulnerable populations, especially women and girls, has thus become a priority within ongoing programmes by UNDP and partners focused on violence prevention, access to justice, and human rights protection.

The newly provided vehicles – part of the EU, Denmark, and UNDP’s collaborative efforts – will significantly increase police teams’ mobility and responsiveness, contributing to rapid interventions, enhanced security and essential support for people facing violence in their communities.

Ambassador Ole Egberg Mikkelsen said: “The vehicles will be used by mobile teams combating sexual and gender-based violence in frontline communities. Denmark is supporting this donation, as safe local communities free from such violence are part of the fundamental values that Ukraine is fighting to protect—values that Danes and Ukrainians share. I am proud that Denmark is contributing to this effort as part of our overall support for Ukraine, because Ukraine’s freedom is also our freedom, and Ukraine’s struggle is also our struggle”.