UNLA welcomes the passage of the veterans’ bill and notes that its own initiatives were taken into account

The Ukrainian National Lobbyists Association (UNLA) welcomes the latest parliamentary initiatives related to the adoption of the Veterans Code of Ukraine as a basis in the first reading. The association emphasizes that a number of recommendations and proposals developed by UNLA experts several months ago were taken into account by members of parliament when drafting the relevant bill.

UNLA’s initiatives were the result of systematic work, including a series of roundtables, expert discussions, and meetings with representatives of the veteran community, government agencies, and relevant institutions. The association emphasizes that the inclusion of these findings in the draft law is an important testament to the effectiveness of professional dialogue between civil society and lawmakers.

“We are proud that the ideas we discussed, analyzed, and agreed upon have been reflected in legislative initiatives. This is the result of the joint efforts of our experts and a new generation of public policy professionals,” the UNLA notes.

The issue of creating a Veterans’ Code was raised during the 9th International Veterans’ Forum. According to Ruslan Stefanchuk, Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the future code should be developed in close cooperation with the veteran community, as it is precisely their experience and real needs that should form the basis of state policy in this area.

In addition, this week the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, by a constitutional majority, approved Bill No. 13704-d, which significantly strengthens social guarantees for military personnel, veterans, and individuals released from captivity. The bill provides for expanded access to medical treatment, rehabilitation, prosthetics, financial support, and rehabilitation aids. The law has already been signed by the President of Ukraine.

“New legislative measures are on the horizon. And here, the voice of the veteran community must have a direct influence on the shaping of public policy,” Ruslan Stefanchuk emphasized.

UNLA notes that it will continue its systematic efforts to improve legislation regarding the protection of veterans’ rights, providing high-quality expertise and advocating for the interests of society at the national level.