The United Voices in Action program held a regional forum “IDP integration in Zhytomyrska community: issues, solutions and the role of the IDP Council”.
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Zhytomyrska oblast has hosted about 112 thousand internally displaced persons (IDPs). How to adapt thousands of IDPs to a new life — that was the topic of discussion during the forum.
The event brought together representatives of local authorities, businesses and NGOs to discuss effective ways to support IDPs and projects that will help them to establish their lives and become full-fledged members of the community. One of the tools is the IDP Coordination Council, the concept of which was presented by Svitlana Prokofieva, regional coordinator of the United Voices in Action program in Zhytomyska oblast:
“We hope that the IDP Council in Zhytomyr will become a communication platform where we will be able to quickly collect information about the problems and challenges faced by IDPs, build algorithms for direct interaction with authorities, non-governmental organizations, businesses and citizens who want to help their compatriots.”
The advisory body will comprise the representatives of the public sector, officials and IDPs themselves. The experience of other regions proves that IDP Councils help overcome challenges faster and more efficiently. Together, they will take care of employment and protection of relocated businesses, educational and medical services, humanitarian and psychological assistance as well as housing provision.
At the same time, it is important to continue social assistance, emphasized Viktoriia Krasnopir, Director of the Social Policy Department of Zhytomyr City Council. And it is not only about cash payments.
“A lot of work needs to be done for social cohesion, as people are arriving with different mentality and needs. But we are ready for all the challenges. There are many different questions that IDPs ask. And they are right to ask, but for one reason or another, we cannot always help. Sometimes we need to make cuts, sometimes we need to meet the needs, and sometimes we need to give them a “paddle” rather than a “boat”. We need to hear everyone’s voice,” explains Viktoriia.
Another area of work that is already being implemented in Zhytomyrska oblast through the United Voices in Action program is legal support. IDPs can get advice on restoring their documents, obtaining the status of an internally displaced person, receiving social benefits, humanitarian aid, compensation for destroyed or damaged housing, etc. All consultations are free of charge. IDPs can find useful information about services and mechanisms of assistance in the IDPs’ legal guidelines.
The event was held within the framework of the United Voices in Action program implemented by IREX in Ukraine together with the Stabilization Support Services Charity Foundation and with the support of the U.S. Department of State.