ENSURING ACCESS OF PERSONS WITH WAR-RELATED DISABILITIES TO SOCIAL SERVICES: INTERNATIONAL LEGAL APPROACHES AND UKRAINIAN PRACTICE

Abstract

Introduction. The article examines the issue of ensuring access to social services for persons with disabilities caused by the fullscale armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, in the context of international legal standards and contemporary Ukrainian practice. In the context of armed conflict, there has been a significant increase in the number of individuals requiring comprehensive social support, which highlights the need to assess the effectiveness of the social protection system and its compliance with international human rights standards. Purpose and objectives of the article. The purpose of the study is to provide a comprehensive analysis of international legal approaches to ensuring the accessibility of social services for persons with disabilities, as well as to identify the specific features of their implementation in Ukraine under martial law. To achieve this goal, both general scientific and special legal research methods were applied, including analysis, synthesis, comparative legal and systemic approaches, which enabled a comprehensive study of the issue. Scientific novelty. The scientific novelty of the research lies in a comprehensive approach to analyzing the accessibility of social services for persons with war-related disabilities through the combination of international legal and socio-practical perspectives. The study clarifies the concept of accessibility as a key element in the realization of the rights of persons with disabilities and identifies the main factors influencing the actual accessibility of social services in wartime conditions. Results. The results of the study demonstrate that despite the existence of formally established legal guarantees, access to social services in Ukraine is accompanied by a number of systemic challenges, including infrastructural, financial, and organizational barriers. It is argued that the effective implementation of international standards requires not only improvements in the legal framework but also the development of institutional mechanisms, enhanced coordination among social policy actors, and the introduction of inclusive approaches to service provision. The conclusions substantiate the need to improve mechanisms for implementing international standards, develop digital tools for accessing social services, and strengthen the role of the state in ensuring social protection for persons with war-related disabilities. перспективні напрями further research are outlined, particularly those related to evaluating the effectiveness of specific models of social service provision and adapting international experience to Ukrainian realities.