We invite you to familiarize yourself with a selection of key legislation changes related to civil society organizations' activities. In the July issue for the second half of the month, the Ukrainian Center for Independent Political Research has collected the main topics worth knowing about:
- Proposed to introduce compulsory insurance for volunteers.
- Adoption of a law introducing fines for identifying a lawyer with a client.
Read more about these changes and find out how they will affect the work of CSOs.
Adopted legal acts
A law was adopted to ensure compliance with the guarantees of the practice of law
What the law is about: As of July 22, the document is awaiting the President's signature. The law establishes administrative liability for public identification of a person as an advocate and a client who is provided with professional legal assistance by such an advocate. Public identification is also considered to be carried out through the media, journalists, public associations, and trade unions. The identification of the advocate with the client is any identification (association, linking) of the advocate with the client that affects the independent status of the advocate and (or) exerts negative pressure during the practice of law and (or) violates the guarantees of the Practice of Law and (or) impedes the exercise of the advocate's rights provided for by the Law of Ukraine “On the Bar and Practice of Law”.
Violating the prohibition on identifying an advocate with a client entails a fine of UAH 3,400 to UAH 5,100.
Why it is important: Imposing fines for publicly identifying a lawyer with his or her client, even if there is no purpose to impede the lawyer's activities, creates obstacles for public organizations that, in particular, are engaged in anti-corruption and human rights activities and poses a threat to freedom of speech. The civic society made public statements calling for the abolition of the draft law and, after its adoption, the reversal of the decision to adopt this law.
Registered legal acts
Draft law on state insurance for volunteers registered in the Verkhovna Rada
What the bill is about: The draft law proposes to provide compulsory state insurance of volunteers' life, health and disability against accidents while providing volunteer assistance in the area of measures necessary to ensure the defense of Ukraine, protection of public safety and the interests of the state in connection with the military aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine and/or another country against Ukraine, hostilities and armed conflicts. The insurance will be carried out at the expense of the state budget, and the procedure and terms of such insurance should be determined by the relevant central executive body in consultation with the National Bank.
Why it is important: Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the role of volunteers has grown tremendously, and at the same time, their working conditions have become more dangerous. Volunteers' involvement in rescue missions, elimination of hostilities' consequences, and provision of humanitarian aid in the frontline areas exposes them to danger and requires the state to respond appropriately and facilitate their activities. Compulsory life, health, and disability insurance for volunteers is a necessary and long-awaited step.
Earlier this month, the government approved the concept of a state-targeted social program to develop volunteerism. More details about the Concept can be found here.
The digest is produced by NGO “Ukrainian Center for Independent Political Research” with the support of the Askold and Dir Fund as a part of the the Strong Civil Society of Ukraine - a Driver towards Reforms and Democracy project, implemented by ISAR Ednannia, funded by Norway and Sweden. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of UCIPR and can in no way be taken to reflect the views the Government of Norway, the Government of Sweden and ISAR Ednannia.
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Read also: Legislative Changes for the Public Sector - Digest for the First Half of July 2025 from the UCIPR