Warwick University (United Kingdom) hosted the “Ukrainian Diaspora Support for Internally Displaced People in Ukraine” workshop. Participants included scholars, representatives of civil society organizations, and IDP Councils.
“The experience of IDP Councils can bring together the local participation of displaced persons in decision-making with international advocacy. The diaspora is already doing a lot to support Ukraine, but the potential for systematic interaction is enormous. Sometimes ideas that seem too ambitious at first simply need time and people willing to develop them,“ said Valeriia Vershynina, executive director of the Charity Foundation ”Stabilization Support Services.”
Olha Ivanova, director for development programs and advocacy, spoke about the challenges of advocating for IDPs’ rights at the international level. She also emphasized the potential of IDP Councils for future return and the importance of dialogue between IDPs, refugees, and the diaspora.
“Through their advocacy activities, IDP Councils can already make proposals for community development strategies and emphasize the importance of allocating resources to programs that will facilitate the return of Ukrainian refugees,” Olha Ivanova said.
Workshop participants emphasized the importance of systematic interaction between IDP Councils, civil society organizations, and the Ukrainian diaspora.