The Central Ukrainian Forum of IDP Councils is the first interregional forum that continued the discussions initiated at the II All-Ukrainian Forum of IDP Councils.
It served as a platform to unite the IDP Councils of Vinnytska, Zhytomyrska, Kyivska, Chernihivska, Sumska, Cherkaska, Kirovohradska, Mykolaivska, Khersonska, and Odeska oblasts for exchanging experiences and ideas on the participation of internally displaced persons in community life and decision-making processes that affect them.
Key topics of the Forum included: local policies and programs to support IDPs, cooperation between local authorities and the civil society sector, and the experience of IDP Councils in addressing the most common challenges faced by displaced persons.
Forum Objectives
- To discuss joint actions by state and local authorities regarding the integration of IDPs into host communities, employment opportunities, housing provision for IDPs, social services in communities, and ways to enhance cooperation between IDP Councils and local authorities;
- To create a platform for sharing successful practices among IDP Councils and establishing communication between Councils from Central Ukraine;
- To develop strategic directions for the Congress of IDP Councils NGO, which was presented at the II All-Ukrainian Forum of IDP Councils.
Participants
The Central Ukrainian Forum brought together 88 participants.
The Forum was attended by representatives of oblast executive authorities from Central Ukraine, IDP Councils of various levels from Central Ukraine, oblast military administrations, local state authorities, local self-government bodies, non-governmental organizations, and international organizations (UNHCR).
Key Speakers:
- Valeriia Vershynina — Executive Director of the Charitable Organization “Charity Foundation “Stabilization Support Services”;
- Andrii Kavunets — Deputy Head of the Vinnytska Oblast Military Administration for Digital Development, Digital Transformations, and Digitalization;
- Kateryna Drobotina — Program Advisor at UNHCR in Vinnytsia;
- Olha Altunina — Head of the IDP Council under the Kyiv City Military Administration, Representative of the Commissioner for the Rights of Citizens Affected by Armed Aggression Against Ukraine.
Panel Discussions
Over two days, the forum hosted five panel discussions:
- “Local Policies and IDP Support: Mechanisms for Addressing Challenges”;
- “Communities of Resilience: How Cooperation Between Local Authorities and the Civil Sector Helps Overcome the Challenges of War”;
- “Providing Housing for Internally Displaced Persons, Creating Funds for Temporary Social Housing for IDPs”;
- “Experience of IDP Councils”;
- “New Challenges: How to Prevent Risks.”
Workshop
As part of the Forum, a workshop titled “Congress of IDP Councils” was held. Participants were divided into three groups working on the following areas:
Group 1: “Objectives and Goals of the Coordinating Body for IDP Councils — Congress of IDP Councils NGO”;
Group 2: “Membership in the Congress of IDP Councils NGO”;
Group 3: “Structure of the Governing Bodies of the Congress of IDP Councils NGO.”
Forum Results
- A work program for the Congress of IDP Councils NGO was developed. In particular, the organization’s goals, objectives, and core activities were defined. The key mission of the Congress of IDP Councils NGO is to unite over 800 IDP Councils to advocate for their rights and interests at the national level, develop a joint action plan, and strengthen their influence.
Media about the Forum
“The Central Ukrainian Forum of IDP Councils was held in Vinnytsia” (Podrobytsi).
“We Will Fight for Our People. A Forum for IDPs Was Held in Vinnytsia” (I-VIN.INFO).
“Participation of IDPs in Community Life Discussed in Vinnytsia” (vita.tv).
The event was held by the Charitable Organization “Charity Foundation “Stabilization Support Services” with financial support from UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency in Ukraine.