Ukrainian Legal Clinics Strengthen a Human Rights-Based Approach in Supporting IDPs and Refugees: International Workshop in Sweden

Representatives of Ukrainian legal clinics took part in the international workshop “Human Rights-Based Legal Assistance for Ukrainian Refugees and IDPs”, held from March 31 to April 2, 2025, in Lund, Sweden. The event was part of the project “Standing with Ukraine by Providing Enhanced Rights Protection for IDPs and Refugees”, implemented by the Association of Legal Clinics of Ukraine in partnership with the Raoul Wallenberg Institute (RWI) and the Polish Legal Clinics Foundation, with financial support from the Swedish Institute.

The workshop brought together members of the ALCU Board, representatives of Ukrainian legal clinics, our partners from the Coordination Center for Legal Aid Provision, the Polish Legal Clinics Foundation, the Ukrainian House in Warsaw, and the Baobab Integration Center in Lublin.

Over three days of intensive learning, participants explored the core principles of a human rights-based approach, acquired foundational skills in trauma-informed counseling, and gained insights into best practices for supporting IDPs and refugees in Sweden and Denmark. The workshop also served as a platform for generating ideas to strengthen the role of legal clinics in responding to the challenges of war.

Day 1: Technology and Human Rights-Based Approaches

The first day of the workshop began with a presentation by Marta Tsymbala, an expert from the Association of Legal Clinics of Ukraine (ALCU), who introduced a digital platform developed to provide legal assistance to Ukrainians displaced by the war. This platform, along with a specially designed chatbot, offers clear, accessible information on how displaced Ukrainians can act in various situations. It also helps users book appointments and receive free legal consultations from Ukrainian or international legal clinics.

Launched in 2022, the platform currently brings together eight legal clinics in Ukraine and four abroad. ALCU plans to expand this network by engaging more partner organizations that support displaced Ukrainians.

One of the key training sessions on the first day was dedicated to the Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA). The session was led by Anna Bruce, Senior Researcher at the Raoul Wallenberg Institute. Thanks to her insightful facilitation, participants gained a deeper understanding of how this approach can be practically applied when supporting Ukrainian refugees and internally displaced persons.

HRBA means that all decisions and actions should be guided by international human rights standards. It is an approach centered on human dignity and equality. It emphasizes that public authorities and other duty-bearers must respect, protect, and fulfill the rights of individuals — the rights-holders. Participation in decision-making, transparency, and accountability are among its core principles.

A separate part of the session focused on intersectionality — an approach that recognizes people may face multiple and overlapping forms of discrimination (such as based on gender, age, nationality, or health status). Intersectionality highlights how different identities, experiences, and vulnerabilities intersect, and how understanding these intersections can make legal assistance more effective, sensitive, and fair. It allows for a deeper understanding of each individual’s unique circumstances and helps tailor support that genuinely meets their needs.

The first day of the workshop continued with an interactive session led by Mariia Tsypiashchuk, Head of the Transitional Justice Program at ABA ROLI in Ukraine, and Yuliia Lomzhets, Chair of the Board of the Association of Legal Clinics of Ukraine. Together, they facilitated a practical session on trauma-informed approaches in legal counseling. Participants explored the impact of trauma on individuals and examined how legal professionals can work effectively and sensitively with clients who have experienced stress or psychological trauma. The trainers demonstrated how to teach such complex topics in a simple and engaging way by using interactive methods, including a creative adaptation of the game “Bingo” to foster deeper reflection and learning.

Day 2: The Danish Model of Refugee Support — Empowerment Through Integration

The Ukrainian-Polish delegation’s visit to Denmark provided valuable insights into the country’s practices and strategies for supporting Ukrainians who fled the war. Participants learned how various Danish organizations assist Ukrainian refugees and what legal mechanisms are in place to protect their rights and ensure access to legal assistance.

Experts from the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) shared in detail how Denmark’s refugee policies operate, including the implementation of special legislation that grants Ukrainian displaced persons the right to work and supports their integration into Danish society. Participants were introduced to the legal aid mechanisms run by DRC and gained a deeper understanding of how the organization cooperates with the Ukrainian diaspora on these issues.

An equally important part of the visit was the experience shared by Mellemfolkeligt Samvirke/ActionAid, a Danish independent non-governmental organization actively supporting the integration and self-empowerment of refugees, particularly youth. The organization’s work highlights how the creation of safe spaces, joint activities, and engagement in volunteer work help displaced Ukrainians find their footing in a new country. Especially noteworthy is a project launched in January 2024 that encourages young people to take an active role in public life, contribute to Ukraine’s reconstruction, and promote democratic values.

The third stop in Copenhagen was the Danish Institute Against Torture – DIGNITY. The institute’s team presented ongoing projects aimed at supporting initiatives to document war crimes in Ukraine, as well as DIGNITY’s direct work providing psychological and psychosocial assistance to displaced Ukrainians. The discussion emphasized the critical importance of psychological support and the application of trauma-informed approaches when working with individuals affected by war.

The day concluded with a visit to the Ukrainian House in Denmark, an institution that strengthens the Ukrainian voice in Europe through cultural initiatives, telling the story of Ukrainians through the language of art and poetry.

Day 3: Intersectionality and Self-Assessment

The final day of the workshop focused on how intersectionality and the human rights-based approach (HRBA) can be applied in the practice of clinical legal education and legal counseling, as well as the key challenges that may arise in the process. Participants also had the opportunity to assess the extent to which HRBA is currently integrated into the practices of their respective organizations.

The closing group discussion helped outline future directions for improving support for displaced persons and exploring opportunities for deeper cooperation between legal clinics and partner organizations.

Visit Reflections

This visit became a source of valuable insights and inspiration for the Ukrainian Legal Clinics Association. We returned with a renewed sense of purpose and confidence in the importance of legal clinics’ work, firmly convinced that international experience and collaboration are powerful tools for strengthening the capacity of Ukrainian clinics and embedding human rights-based approaches in their activities.

We extend our heartfelt thanks for the warm welcome, professional organization, and meaningful insights to Zuzana Zalanova, RWI’s Regional Operations Director for Europe, Tatsiana Ragozina, RWI Programme Associate, and all the partners who contributed to the preparation and implementation of this event.

And above all, we thank our colleagues from the legal clinics — who continue to prove that together, we can achieve so much more.