In Ukraine, the ongoing full-scale war has heightened the importance of workplace equality, health protection, and dignity for both workers and employers. Despite the difficult conditions, progress in the Kyiv region under the ILO’s Transitional Cooperation Strategy shows that meaningful improvements are possible when local authorities and social partners remain committed.
The war has made it even more critical to safeguard workers’ health and ensure non-discrimination. Since 2023, the ILO has supported workers’ and employers’ representatives through the Together Against Discrimination initiative. Through this effort, over 11,000 workers and employers have been reached with awareness and prevention activities, and a new information and counselling platform, Stop-hiv.kyiv.ua, was launched to provide accessible guidance. The Kyiv Regional Council of Trade Unions also updated its policy on violence, harassment and non-discrimination, offering clearer standards for workplaces during a time of heightened uncertainty.
These reforms form part of broader efforts to build safer and more inclusive workplaces. Trade union leaders highlighted the value of new tools developed in collaboration with the ILO, including the Policy on the Prevention of Discrimination, Violence, and Harassment in the Workplace. This framework encourages employers to create environments where all workers feel safe and respected regardless of health status.
Even under wartime disruption, voluntary and confidential HIV counselling and testing have continued. Around 2,600 workers from 15 companies accessed HIV testing services, and many also benefited from additional screenings, such as hepatitis tests and mobile fluorography for lung health.
Workplace protection measures were strengthened further through advisory visits by the State Labour Service, prompting companies to update internal systems. Hundreds of enterprises adopted HIV and non-discrimination policies, expanded gender equality provisions and addressed workplace mobbing. These achievements are now reflected in the commitments of the forthcoming 2025–2029 Kyiv Region Tripartite Agreement.
As Ukraine continues to face war-related challenges, these collective efforts demonstrate the resilience and determination of workers, employers and public institutions. They show that progress toward safe, inclusive and rights-based workplaces is possible even in crisis conditions, reaffirming the ILO’s support for protecting dignity, equality and well-being at work.
