In March, a new project “Improving Access to legal protection and strengthening the role of communities and IDP councils in supporting affected populations in Sumy Region” began. The first working meeting with the IDP Councils in Shostka has already taken place.
The meeting was informal and work-focused, marking an important step for ongoing collaboration. Open dialogue, discussion of pressing challenges, and a joint search for solutions set a constructive tone for the next stages of the project.
During the meeting, participants focused on the key challenges faced by IDPs in the community. Main topics included housing, access to social and administrative services, employment opportunities, and integration into new communities. Participants also reviewed the IDP Council’s past activities, summarizing achievements, discussing remaining challenges, and identifying priority steps for the future.
It is noteworthy that representatives of local self-government actively joined the discussion. This allowed the group not only to outline problems but also to immediately explore practical solutions and ways to implement them at the local level.
An important component of the meeting was legal consultations provided by the project’s lawyers. Participants received clarifications on IDPs’ rights, access to essential services, and available assistance. This approach combined strategic planning with concrete support for individuals.
The results of the meeting will serve as a foundation for further work within the project, aimed at strengthening community capacities and enhancing the role of IDP Councils in decision-making.
This publication was made possible through the project “Improving Access to Legal Protection and Strengthening the Role of Communities and IDP Councils in Supporting Affected Populations in Sumy Region”, implemented by the Charitable Organization “Stabilization Support Services” together with the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) in Ukraine, with support from Norway.