In Lviv, a brand-new mental health center opened on June 24, specifically for people who survived captivity and torture. The opening of the center marks another step in the development of the UNBROKEN network of care institutions, illustrating how Ukraine, despite the ongoing war, continues to invest in care, recovery, and the country’s future—a reconstruction that must and will include war veterans.
The building, located in the city of Lviv, is the first of its kind in Ukraine. Its realization was made possible thanks to €1.5 million in Flemish support, granted by the previous Flemish government. A passionate advocate at the time was then-Minister Bart Somers, who, after a visit to Lviv in 2023, became convinced that Flanders had a responsibility to contribute.
Mayor Somers attended today’s official opening in Lviv, alongside his counterparts from Lviv, Mykolaiv, and Bucha. The ceremony is part of the UNBROKEN Justice Forum, an international moment of reflection on war, trauma, and recovery.
During the opening ceremony, special attention was given to Maksym Butkevych, a human rights defender and Ukrainian soldier who spent over two years in Russian captivity. His testimony about inhumane conditions and psychological suffering underlined why a centre like this is not a luxury, but a necessity.
The new building, located on Rafal Lemkin Street—named after the jurist who defined the concept of genocide—will support victims on their path to mental recovery. A team of therapists, psychiatrists, and social workers will focus on trauma support, PTSD, reintegration, and life restoration.
“What is opening here today is more than just a building. It is a source of hope for people who have endured the unspeakable,” said Mayor Bart Somers. “Thanks to this place, victims of war can regain control over their lives. It is a powerful signal of human dignity in a time of barbarity.”
On Monday, June 23, the Mechelen delegation visited several buildings and departments of the UNBROKEN network, with a special focus on rehabilitation.
Doctors, nurses, prosthetic technicians, and psychiatrists work side by side every day to repair wounded bodies and support broken spirits. The new centre that opened today is a vital extension of this care: aftercare, reintegration, and mental healing.
“You can feel that this centre will make a real difference for many,” said Somers. “It helps them not only survive, but become part of society again. It shows that Ukraine does not give up on its people. This is brick-and-mortar proof of resilience and belief in the future.”
After the official opening of the centre, Mayor Somers also signed the Memorandum of Cooperation within the UNBROKEN Cities network. This network was created to connect cities that actively contribute to Ukraine’s reconstruction, each from its own strength.
UNBROKEN Cities is an initiative of One World Strong and the UNBROKEN project in Lviv. It links cities such as Liverpool, Manchester, and Lviv—and now also Mechelen. The goal is knowledge-sharing, solidarity, and concrete collaboration in healthcare, urban development, mental rehabilitation, and human rights.
The signing confirms Mechelen as an active partner in this international alliance. The commitment fits within the broader city partnership between Mechelen and Lviv, which has been official since 2024 but has been growing for years through reciprocal visits, aid actions, and content-driven cooperation.
“As cities, we have a duty to support each other,” said Somers. “With UNBROKEN Cities, we show that solidarity is not an abstract concept. It’s about concrete actions, like a humanitarian convoy filled with supplies that make a difference. The police vehicles and bulletproof vests we delivered here this week, for example, are now part of the local police’s new equipment.”
Belgium’s Ambassador to Ukraine Luc Jacobs recalled that Belgium as a “staunch and steadfast promoter of the fight against impunity”.
“It’s a priority of our foreign policy because it is about upholding international legal order, international human rights as we strive to make this planet a better place. We support Ukraine in leaving no stone unturned in documenting war crimes to make sure these crimes are prosecuted and punished, Belgium is part of a core group to create a special tribunal to prosecute the crime of aggression. Crime of aggression is a crime of leadership and it’s leaders that must be held accountable for the horrendous crimes that are being committed on their instruction and in their name,” the ambassador said, addressing the UNRBOKEN Justice Forum.
The opening of the center marks the conclusion of a four-day mission from Mechelen, during which a humanitarian convoy of nine vehicles travelled to Lviv. Police and fire departments, city staff, service clubs, and volunteers joined forces to deliver supplies including bulletproof vests, laptops, medical equipment, and a sit-ski for athletes with disabilities.
