Stories
August 19, 2024 • 2 min read
In response to the severe humanitarian crisis resulting from the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, GOAL dramatically intensified its conflict response efforts. The invasion caused massive displacement, targeted attacks on civilians, and a dramatic increase in humanitarian needs. As a result, GOAL prioritised strengthening partnerships with key Ukrainian organisations.
GOAL’s partnership approach
By understanding that local systems comprise multiple actors who are the principal catalysts of change, GOAL seeks to facilitate this change alongside permanent local actors, with the understanding that they will remain in the system long after GOAL has departed.
Partnership is a key pillar within the framework of our 2025 strategy: Crisis to Resilience.
We support the capacity strengthening of our local partners by providing technical guidance and support to their senior management teams and board members. We guide them in cultivating new competencies, strategies, systems, and structures to bolster their overall effectiveness.
GOAL supported Ukrainian CSO
Thanks to generous funding from Irish Aid, GOAL supports strengthening the capacity of our local partner, Right to Protection (R2P), a leading Ukrainian human rights organisation known for supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, and stateless individuals.
As the conflict in Ukraine intensified, R2P faced the challenge of rapidly adapting its operations to meet the evolving needs of the affected populations.
GOAL and R2P launched the “Building Bricks for Humanitarian Excellence” project to address this in January 2024.
This initiative aims to enhance R2P’s institutional capacity through a comprehensive approach that includes improvements in accountability, leadership, management, internal audit, monitoring and evaluation, and handling serious complaints.
The project is designed to strengthen R2P’s ability to deliver high-quality, effective programmes and to ensure transparency and responsiveness within its operations.
R2P Participants of GOAL training on investigating serious complaints, Kyiv, Ukraine.
Oleksandr Galkin, President of R2P, emphasised the significance of this collaboration,
“In 2023, our team remained steadfast in its commitment despite the ongoing challenges. With the support of our partners, we were able to assist over 1 million people throughout the year. This collective effort highlights the strength of Ukrainian civil society, government institutions, and the international community.”
The support from Irish Aid and GOAL has been vital in enabling R2P to navigate the complexities of the crisis and continue its mission to protect and support the most vulnerable people and communities.
By investing in the development of R2P’s organisational and operational capabilities, this partnership not only enhances R2P’s emergency response effectiveness but also ensures its long-term sustainability and resilience.
Derek O’Rourke, Global Safety & Access Advisor, GOAL, and John Rynne, Regional Director Africa, GOAL, meeting with R2P colleagues in Kyiv, Ukraine, July 2024.
Locally led action
The collaboration between GOAL and R2P exemplifies the importance of localised aid and capacity building in humanitarian responses. It underscores how strengthening local organisations can transform aid delivery, making it more effective and responsive to the needs of those affected by the crisis.
Through this partnership, GOAL and Irish Aid have demonstrated a commitment to supporting and empowering local entities, ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most and fostering resilience in times of unprecedented challenge.
