On December 15–17, the Executive Director of the Charity Foundation “Stabilization Support Services” participated in the GRF Progress Review 2025 in Switzerland. Valeriia Vershynina also participated in thematic activities and side events, particularly the meeting of the IDP advisory group.
A key outcome of the visit was the simultaneous presentation of two strategic commitments on the international stage. Valeriia Vershynina announced the Declaration of Intent “Sustainable and Quality Reconstruction: Participation of Councils of Internally Displaced Persons in Recovery Processes.” The Declaration documents the transformation of IDP Councils from consultative and advisory bodies into active participants in decision-making processes through regular dialogue, impact monitoring, and joint planning of recovery projects. At the same time, Valeriia had the honor of voicing the Declaration of Intent of the Government of Slovenia and addressing the forum participants with a call to strengthen support for Ukraine. Read more about the Declaration at the link: https://bit.ly/3MmCgHa
Confirming the dedication to the principle “nothing about us without us,” the CF SSS supported the Independent Declaration on the right of persons with experience of forced displacement or statelessness to participate in decisions affecting them (Jakarta Declaration). We stand in solidarity with the global community that the participation of displaced persons in decision-making is not a privilege, but a fundamental right that must be guaranteed to everyone. Read more about the Declaration at the link https://tally.so/r/jaDZN4
Together with the e-Mentor organization from Cameroon, Valeriia Vershynina participated in a discussion on how the Ukrainian experience of involving IDP Councils in decision-making can be applied to working with refugees in other countries. The example of IDP Councils was presented as a practical mechanism for participation in resolving recovery and development issues, promoting accountability of processes, and strengthening social cohesion at the local level.
“During the Global Refugee Forum Progress Review, I called on participants to continue supporting Ukraine and not to lose focus on internally displaced persons and refugees from Ukraine. It is important to remember that despite talk of peace negotiations, escalation by the Russian Federation is intensifying, and the humanitarian crisis is worsening. I also appealed for support for IDP Councils and the Declaration of Intent ‘Sustainable and Quality Reconstruction: Participation of Councils of Internally Displaced Persons in Recovery Processes’ as a tool for engaging displaced people in recovery,” noted Valeriia Vershynina.
The visit took place with the support of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.