Cabinet resolution #1234 of October 29, 2024 

Decision-maker: the Cabinet of Ministers 

Status: in effect since October 29, 2024 

Who is affected: security and defense forces 

Summary: 

  • the resolution approved the procedure for logistical, medical, psychological, and social support for military personnel, taking into account the needs of both women and men 
  • the resolution prohibits discrimination against military personnel for any reason. Everyone has equal rights and opportunities, regardless of whether they are men or women. Persons rights cannot be restricted due to reasons such as: 
    • race, skin color, gender, ethnic origin, or nationality 
    • age, health or disability status, gender identity, or sexual orientation 
    • political, religious, or any other beliefs 
    • family or financial status, place of residence, or membership in organizations 
    • appeals to courts or other bodies for protection of rights or support of other service members in defending their rights 
    • reports of corruption 
    • the language they speak 
  • discrimination during military service recruitment or service is prohibited 
  • the resolution recommends adopting a gender-sensitive approach when developing and approving budget programs for security and defense forces 
  • to fully and comprehensively consider the needs of women and men in the security and defense forces, the following will be ensured: 
    • creation of special departments or positions to ensure equal rights and combat discrimination, gender-based violence, sexual harassment, and violations of sexual rights 
    • data collection by gender, age, and service experience to have accurate information about military personnel and account for diverse needs of men and women 
    • training and professional development for personnel regarding gender equality according to NATO standards 
    • development and introduction of an effective mechanism to combat sexual harassment and gender-based violence for military personnel 
    • development of accessible infrastructure: creating inclusive facilities accessible to all, regardless of gender or physical capabilities 
    • provision of women in the military with hygiene items, clothing, and equipment suitable for women in terms of size and physiology 
    • provision of specialized medical assistance for military personnel: gynecological and mammological examinations and treatment for women, as well as mammological and urological examinations for men 
  • heads and commanders of military units of the security and defense forces must ensure support for military personnel by: 
    • engaging psychologists to work with military personnel to support their psychological wellbeing 
    • creating proper conditions for the effective work of the units of psychological support 
    • urgent (within one hour) notification of subordinate commanders of the units of psychological support if any military personnel face serious adaptation issues, aggressive or dependent behavior, or hint at suicide or attempt it 
    • taking measures to prevent violence: domestic, gender-based, or sexual harassment. Commanders must ensure confidentiality regarding the information of affected military personnel 
    • releasing military personnel from places of detention, captivity, or hostage situations and returning service members interned in neutral states 
    • preventing injuries and fatalities. That is, commanders must take care of the safety of military personnel to avoid injuries, trauma, fatalities, or disappearance 
    • interacting with other organizations providing psychological and social support to military personnel 
    • engaging with the family members of military personnel to support families 
  • the resolution prohibits reduction of payments to military personnel based on their origin, social status, financial situation, race, nationality, gender, language, political or religious views, participation in trade unions or other organizations, type of work, or place of residence. 

What is right: 

  • the resolution will help in combating discrimination in the security and defense forces 
  • the resolution will enable equal opportunities for men and women in the security and defense forces.