UMDP expands its network: five organizations join the Union

On May 26, the first meeting of the new Board of the Ukrainian Child Rights Network was held. Following the review of applications, five new organizations were approved for membership. Now the URN includes 54 public and charitable organizations working to protect children’s rights, develop family-based care and support children and families.

New full members of the UMDP

Charitable Organization “Charitable Foundation “STAR FOR LIFE UKRAINE”

The organization is a powerful player in the field of non-formal education and psycho-emotional support for children. Over the three years of its activity, its programs have reached about 27,000 children in different regions of Ukraine, from Lviv and Zakarpattia regions to the frontline areas of Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Sumy, and Kharkiv regions.

Among the foundation’s important achievements is the creation of 15 tech labs at schools, which help to reduce the educational gap between urban and rural areas. The activities of the labs cover not only the development of digital skills, but also issues of mental health, leadership, and gender equality. The organization pays special attention to the development of children’s leadership through its ambassador program.

CO “100% Life. Zaporizhzhia”

The charitable organization has been working in the field of public health, social services and support for people and families in difficult life circumstances for over 20 years. Over 500,000 people have received assistance over the course of its work, and over 91,460 residents of Zaporizhzhia have been supported in the past year alone.

The organization develops early intervention services for children with developmental disabilities and their families, and actively advocates for the development of social services in communities and the procurement of such services from NGOs.

New associate members of the UMDP

Stichting “Global Rights Compliance Foundation”

International Legal Foundation, which has been operating in Ukraine since 2014 and specializes in international criminal and humanitarian law, as well as human rights protection. GRC is a part of the Advisory Group on the Most Serious International Crimes (ACA) for Ukraine and supports the processes of accountability for international crimes committed during Russia’s war against Ukraine, as well as human rights violations, including crimes against children and those relating to children.

The organization works with government authorities, the Office of the Prosecutor General and other law enforcement agencies, as well as civil society, to strengthen the legal system to achieve justice and provide reparations for affected communities.

One of the key areas of its work is the development of child-friendly justice and the implementation of the principle of the best interests of the child in criminal proceedings.

NGO “Institute for Public Initiatives”

The organization has been operating since 2013 and implements social, educational, humanitarian and psychological programs for children, youth, families and internally displaced persons. The organization’s branches operate in Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk and Kharkiv regions.

The main areas of work include support for children and families in difficult life circumstances, development of family-based forms of education, social integration and creation of a safe environment for children and youth.

Charitable Foundation “Paradigm.Ukraine”

The Foundation focuses its activities on supporting orphans, children deprived of parental care, children with disabilities and other vulnerable children from Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, Kherson and other war-affected regions of Ukraine. It provides them with access to education, psychological support and opportunities for full development.

We remind you that on March 26, the General Meeting of the members of the Ukrainian Child Rights Network was held. The participants approved the Secretariat’s report for 2025, supported the updated logo of the Union and elected a new Board, as well as the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Board.