Razom (

Ukrainian Ukrainian may refer to: * Something of, from, or related to Ukraine * Something relating to Ukrainians, an East Slavic people from Eastern Europe * Something relating to demographics of Ukraine in terms of demography and population of Ukraine * So ...

: Разом) is a non-profit Ukrainian-American human rights organization established in 2014 with the mission to unlock the potential of

Ukraine Ukraine ( uk, Україна, Ukraïna, ) is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which it borders to the east and northeast. Ukraine covers approximately . Prior to the ongoing Russian inv ...

. Razom means "together" in Ukrainian. Its main goals are increasing civic engagement within Ukraine and engaging the voices of Ukrainians around the world. The organization uses social networking tools to reunite the global network of individuals in coordinating effort supporting shared goals. In 2022, Razom delivered $62M worth of aid to Ukraine.

History

* Dec. 2013 Established the private Facebook group Ukrainians Abroad for Euromaidan (now, over 3500 members) * Jan. 2014 Board of Directors established and Razom registered as a non-profit incorporated entity * Feb. 2014 Established the public Facebook page Razom For Ukraine (As of August 2023, over 53000 followers) Razom's activity started in the late 2013, when Ukrainians in New York City and Washington, DC, were gathering at the impromptu demonstrations to show support for the Ukrainians during the Ukrainian Revolution of Dignity, which turned into a fight against then-President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych. The main goal of such demonstrations was to bring the Obama administration's attention to the events taking place in Ukraine. As the Ukrainian Diaspora of approximately 900,000 people throughout the U.S. could and wished to do more than demonstrations, the community organization Razom for Ukraine (Together for Ukraine) was legally established in 2014. With a core group of about ten volunteers, it coordinated Ukrainian activists throughout the U.S. and maintainsled a global network of over 2,000 people - doctors, engineers, educators, as well as legal and financial professionals. In 2014, Razom commissioned the 76-page report "Crisis in Ukraine: Its Legal Dimensions," prepared by a team of students of NYU School of Law. The report outlined legal conclusions on the

Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation In February and March 2014, Russia invaded and subsequently annexed the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine. This event took place in the aftermath of the Revolution of Dignity and is part of the wider Russo-Ukrainian War. The events in Kyiv th ...

, the

Budapest Memorandum The Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances comprises three substantially identical political agreements signed at the OSCE conference in Budapest, Hungary, on 5 December 1994, to provide security assurances by its signatories relating to the ...

on international security guarantees, and the human rights and humanitarian law at issue. The Report also covered the right of secession,

crimes of aggression A crime of aggression or crime against peace is the planning, initiation, or execution of a large-scale and serious act of aggression using state military force. The definition and scope of the crime is controversial. The Rome Statute contains an ...

, critical energy security issues, sanctions imposed on Russia; and relevant military law.

Mission

Razom supports dedicated volunteers around the world united by the goal to build a democratic and prosperous Ukraine. The organization creates spaces where people meet, partner, and work. Razom's main activity is divided into several initiatives, such as the Razom Emergency Response focused on purchasing medical supplies for critical situations. Razom Procurement and Logistics teams are worldwide networks of volunteers and partners operational since 2014. Razom is also working with governments and embassies on helping to establish humanitarian corridors.

Officers and Board of directors

As of August 2023, the Board of Directors includes the following members: * Olya Yarychkivska * Anastasia Rab * Maria Genkin * Olena Nyzhnykevych * Nonna Tsiganok As of August 2023, the Officers include: * Dora Chomiak (CEO) * Oksana Falenchuk (CFO) * Zoe Ripecky (COO)

Advocacy

Razom co-organized American Coalition for Ukraine, which held three-day Ukraine Action Summit September 18-20, 2022 and April 23-25, 2023. The second summit was attended by 320 advocates from over 34 states, with 58 partner organizations represented. These advocates had dozens of planned meetings with members of the U.S. House and Senate, and aides, to advocate for continued support for Ukraine.

Notes

References