The second Eastern Ukrainian Forum of IDP Councils, titled “Changing Ukraine!”, brought together representatives of IDP Councils, local authorities, the civil society sector, and international organizations from Dnipropetrovska, Zaporizka, Donetska, and Khersonska oblasts. The Forum served as a platform to discuss mechanisms for integrating IDPs into host communities, developing the institutional capacity of IDP Councils, and identifying solutions to ensure the long-term rights and opportunities of displaced persons.
Forum Objectives
- To develop mechanisms to overcome barriers to IDP integration in communities;
- To share experiences and disseminate best practices in cooperation between IDPs, local authorities, and civil society organizations;
- To define prospects for cooperation between IDP Councils and international and local organizations;
- To establish communication among newly created IDP Councils and develop a joint action plan.
Participants
The Forum brought together 48 participants, including representatives of local authorities, local self-government bodies, IDP Councils, civil society, and international organizations (UNHCR, IREX, Tenth of April, Proliska, Right to Protection, ACTED), as well as experts on social protection, employment, and housing programs for IDPs.
Key Speakers:
- Lidiia Kuzmenko — Legal Advisor at UNHCR Ukraine;
- Nataliia Krandiievska — Social Protection Specialist at the UNHCR sub-office in Dnipro;
- Valeriia Vershynina — Executive Director of the Charitable Organization “Charity Foundation “Stabilization Support Services”;
- Representatives of Tenth of April, Proliska, Right to Protection, and ACTED.
Panel Discussions
Over two days, participants addressed urgent issues concerning internally displaced persons in communities:
- “IDP Council as a Platform for Joint Action of Civil Society Institutions, State Authorities, and Local Self-Government”;
- “Realization of Housing Rights of Internally Displaced Persons: Pathways to Long-Term Solutions”;
- “Livelihood Restoration, Employment, and Support for Displaced Businesses”;
- “Humanitarian Response and Social Protection of Internally Displaced Persons”;
- “Synergy Between International and Local Organizations in Supporting IDP Integration.”
Workshops and Group Discussions
The Forum featured section work in a World Café format, enabling the development of specific recommendations for the government, NGOs, and local authorities:
Section I. “Housing Rights of IDPs: Rapid Response and Long-Term Solutions”
- Cooperation with international organizations on the arrangement and repair of housing facilities;
- Advocacy for real estate market regulation and creation of support mechanisms for IDPs;
- Development of rent-to-own systems for displaced persons.
Section II. “Livelihood Restoration, Employment, and Business Support”
- Attracting donors for micro- and macro-grants to relocate and support businesses;
- Implementation of retraining programs and job creation for IDPs;
- Development of state support programs for IDP-led businesses.
Section III. “Humanitarian Response and Social Protection of IDPs”
- Identification of priority IDP categories for targeted assistance;
- Simplification of IDP access to social services;
- Strengthening coordination between local authorities and international partners.
Section IV. “Psychosocial Support, Adaptation, and Integration of Children and Youth”
- Creation of youth spaces to integrate IDP children into communities;
- Implementation of psychosocial support and career guidance programs for youth;
- Integration of youth IDP Councils into the broader structure of IDP Councils.
Forum Results
- A Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between representatives of IDP Councils and initiative groups from Dnipropetrovska, Zaporizka, Donetska, and Khersonska oblasts;
- Mechanisms were developed for advocating changes in housing programs for IDPs and employment support;
- Proposals were made to expand psychosocial support programs for children and youth.
The event was held by the Charitable Organization “Charity Foundation “Stabilization Support Services” with financial support from UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency in Ukraine.