In Ukraine, where the full-scale war continues to shape daily life and workplace realities, these principles have become even more important for both workers and employers. For example, progress made in the Kyiv region during the implementation of the ILO's Transitional Cooperation Strategy shows what can be achieved when local authorities and social partners remain committed, even under challenging circumstances.
During the full-scale war, protecting workers' dignity and access to health is more important than ever. The commitment shown by both workers and employers to advance inclusion, even under extremely difficult conditions, is truly remarkable. World AIDS Day gives us strong momentum to recognise these joint efforts and reaffirm our commitment to safe and inclusive workplaces.
Aida Lindmeier, Director of the ILO Country Office for Ukraine
© ILO
Since 2023, the ILO has supported efforts by workers' and employers' representatives to strengthen awareness and improve workplace protection mechanisms through activities under the Together Against Discrimination initiative. During this time, more than 11,000 workers and employers were reached with awareness raising and prevention activities, and a new information and counselling platform - Stop-hiv.kyiv.ua - was launched to provide accessible and reliable guidance. In parallel, the Kyiv Regional Council of Trade Unions updated its Policy on Violence, Harassment and Non-Discrimination at Work, helping organisations uphold consistent workplace standards at a time when clear guidance is especially important.
These developments are part of wider efforts by social partners to make workplaces safer and more inclusive. Vasyl Khvostikov, Head of the Kyiv Regional Council of Trade Unions, emphasised the significance of strengthening these tools.
Thanks to support from the ILO, the Kyiv Regional Council of Trade Unions has another important tool to reduce stigma and discrimination: our Policy on the Prevention of Discrimination, Violence, and Harassment in the Workplace in Kyiv Region. This framework encourages the creation of a safe and favourable environment for all workers, regardless of their health status.
Vasyl Khvostikov, Head of the Kyiv Regional Council of Trade Unions
Despite wartime disruptions, voluntary and confidential HIV counselling and testing continued across enterprises in the region. At this point, 2600 workers accessed voluntary and confidential HIV counselling and testing services in 15 companies, and many were able to receive additional screenings, including hepatitis testing and mobile fluorography for lung health.
Workplace protection measures were further reinforced through advisory visits by the State Labour Service, which encouraged companies to strengthen internal systems. As a result, hundreds of enterprises adopted HIV and non-discrimination policies, expanded gender equality provisions and addressed cases of workplace mobbing.
The experience and tools developed in the Kyiv region are now supported by commitments included in the 2025-2029 Kyiv Region Tripartite Agreement which is about to be concluded.
As Ukraine continues to face the impacts of the full-scale war, these efforts show how workers, employers, and public institutions are working together to uphold non-discrimination, equality, confidentiality, access to health services and occupational safety and health - all core elements of decent work. They demonstrate that meaningful progress toward safer and more inclusive workplaces is possible even in the most demanding circumstances, and reaffirm the ILO's continued support to Ukraine in protecting dignity, rights and well-being at work.
