From 2011 to 2015, ULAF played a leading role in supporting and promoting the development of a free legal aid system, in particular, in the formation of sub-systems of lawyers-trainers, quality managers, network responsible for interacting with the primary legal aid providers (integrators).2015 became a decisive for reviewing the mission and objectives of ULAF. Taking into consideration the increasing access of people to legal aid at the expense of the state, ULAF’s Board decided to strengthen the expert-analytical function and to stop the direct legal aid provision. ULAF’s mission is the development of systems, networks and initiatives that work to ensure human rights in Ukraine. In 2016-2017 ULAF focused on supporting such communities and institutions in the justice system as a network of university legal clinics, advocates that do pro bono, prosecutor’s offices, National Police, and community of public advisers (paralegals).

In addition, UALF has developed a range of its own analytical products: methodology guidelines for legal aid providers and civic activists, as well as information and explanatory materials for specific target audiences on effective tools for the implementation of their rights. ULAF always represents interests of the society and our strategy to ensure respect for human rights and equal access to justice through the support of various legal aid providers in 2016-2017 has proved to be successful.

Now ULAF’s team focused on collaboration with lawyers who take an active part in the UNBA administration and, at the same time, are providing free legal aid at the expense of the state. This activity in 2016-2017 proceeded in three directions:

1. protection of the right to access medical care;

2. formation of standards for the provision of free secondary legal aid in civil, administrative processes and representation in the criminal process;

3. protection of the rights of military officers and members of their families.