We live in a time when many people are forced to leave their homes, lose their documents, and deal with the consequences of shelling, displacement, and uncertainty. In such circumstances, it’s easy to lose not only personal belongings but also your sense of stability — your rights, understanding of where to turn for help, and how to protect yourself.
At the core of our work lies the Humanitarian Charter and the fourth Protection Principle of the Sphere Handbook: Assist people to claim their rights.
This principle means that humanitarian organizations must not only respond to urgent needs, but also help people understand and claim their rights, obtain essential documents, access legal protection, and gain the knowledge they need to act confidently in difficult situations.
We support not only with supplies — but with knowledge and action.
Our laundry administrators, engaged in the project “Improving Access to Hygiene Practices in Shelling-Affected Areas of Sumy and Chernihiv Regions,” regularly meet with beneficiaries who seek more than just basic services — they also need information and support.
“People often don’t just come with household questions. They ask where to go, how to recover documents, whether they’re eligible for assistance or compensation, how to get legal advice,” says Nataliya, a social worker with the foundation. “We never leave such questions unanswered. We always guide them on next steps, provide contact details of legal aid organizations, and hand out information materials. People need to know they are not alone.”
This is our approach to aid: being there — with both information and support.
What does our organization do under this principle?
- We explain people’s rights and available services — including assistance and compensation
- We help restore lost documents — by referring people to the relevant services
- We inform in plain language — accessibly, in different formats, considering age and condition
- We refer to partner organizations — for legal, psychological, or medical support
Our goal is not to act instead of the person, but to equip them with the knowledge and confidence to act on their own. Because humanitarian aid is not just short-term support — it’s an investment in dignity, stability, and hope for the future.
The project “Improving Access to Hygiene Practices in Shelling-Affected Areas of Sumy and Chernihiv Regions through the Establishment of Social Laundries” is funded under the “Localization” project of Polish Humanitarian Action (Polska Akcja Humanitarna, PAH).
We operate in accordance with the Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Humanitarian Response (Sphere Handbook, 2018).
More about the principles: Sphere Standards – Protection Principle 4.