CIVIC's has worked in Ukraine since 2017 and the project aims to reduce harm to civilians, especially vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly, and those with limited mobility. The project focuses on enhancing community resilience and preparedness against threats from military operations. It involves establishing trust and effective coordination among local communities and protection stakeholders.
CIVIC’s focus on engagement with the military as a vector for the protection of civilians will ensure the enhancement of the Armed Forces of Ukraine’s capabilities and skills to protect civilians in armed conflict. CIVIC will deliver tailored training programs on incorporating protection of civilians in military operations for various categories of the military. Seeking to develop the military’s abilities to productively interact with civilians within civil-military dialogues, CIVIC will also provide Harvard Negotiation Project-based training courses for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other defense structures.
The project’s activities include identifying gaps in civilian protection, strengthening the capacity of Community Protection Groups, promoting effective civil-military cooperation, actively advocates for a comprehensive National Protection of Civilians policy.

Overall Objective: Reduced harm to civilians, including vulnerable populations such as women, children, the elderly, and persons with limited mobility, in conflict-affected areas of Ukraine.
Specific Objective 1: Conflict-affected communities’ preparedness and resilience to immediate and future protection threats resulting from military operations is strengthened through a locally driven, solutions-oriented approach.
Specific Objective 2: Effective civil-military coordination systems are able to address the immediate and long-term protection needs of men, women, and children who have limited access to protection measures are built.

1. Identification of civilian protection needs, establishment of Community Protection Groups (CPGs), facilitation of CPG meetings to enhance community resilience. Support via Local Initiatives Fund and referrals to aid civilians' protection needs.
2. Capacity building on Protection of Civilians (POC) strategies for Security and Defense Actors (SDAs). Training, including trainers' training, to enhance civil-military cooperation and coordination. Production and distribution of an online POC course for SDAs to ensure sustainable training.
3. Conducting meetings, roundtables, workshops to promote effective cooperation/coordination of protection actors, including national and international NGOs, and ensure civilian voices are heard and addressed by MAs. Conducting public advocacy events to raise awareness and discuss POC developments in Ukraine and the region.
4. Support for the adoption of Ukraine's National POC Strategy by relevant authorities is anticipated.