Dear friends and colleagues,
We inform you that on the 24th and 25th of June, took place an expert visit the specialist of advocacy and community development Nishtuk Anatoly to Sumy.
Within the framework this visit, among many important issues on which provided assistance, would like to note:
1. Together with regional coordinator of NGO “Gay-alliance” in Sumy region Olga Belenetskaya were identified further advocacy steps regarding the recently approved regional program on HIV/AIDS (including with monitoring the allocation of funds for the needs of vulnerable to HIV groups).
2. The expert were provided recommendations concerning the algorithm of public monitoring of public procurement.
3. There was analyzed a mobilization level of vulnerable to HIV groups at this time (IDUs/OST, MSM, sex workers, former prisoners). For example, among MSM activists observed lack of “openness” for the implementation of advocacy activities and performances for the human their rights; representatives of sex workers aren’t currently members of the of Sumy regional council community (RCC); no lack of cooperation between the leaders of IDUs/OST in the region. Were determined ways to improve the motivation the leaders of vulnerable communities.
4. There were discussed the results of recently conducted a round table “Building of civil society through cooperation between the authorities and the public in the provision of services on re-socialization of young people that found itself in conflict with the law, including people who inject drugs” and defined mechanisms of further interaction between the main partners.
5. Planned to hold three round tables with civil society representatives and authorities. In particular, in early September scheduled to be held a measure to create alternative of OST programs in the area for those who want to pass a rehabilitation program for drug addicted persons.
For reference:
Work on capacity building and capability of vulnerable communities implemented by NGO “Gay-alliance” in the direction “Social mobilization, strengthening of ties, cooperation and coordination” among vulnerable groups IDU/OST, sex workers, MSM, former prisoners in 5 regions of Ukraine (Lviv, Vinnytsa, Cherkasy, Kirovograd, Sumy), with the financial support of ACO “All-Ukrainian Network of PLWH” and ICF “International HIV/AIDS Alliance in Ukraine”
