Employment, search for long-term housing, legal and psychological assistance to IDPs were discussed in Poltava during the regional forum “Integration of Internally Displaced Persons in the Poltavska Oblast: Problems, Solutions and the Role of the IDP Council“. The event was organized by the United Voices in Action program. More than a hundred participants gathered at this event to develop a common vision of supporting IDPs, integrating them into the life of the region, and strengthening cooperation. One of the effective tools in this direction is the Coordination IDP Council, emphasized Serhiy Larionov, coordinator of the United Voices in Action program:
“Internal displacement is a very painful global process that needs to be discussed at all possible levels. The United Voices in Action program seeks to bring together IDPs, community representatives, and local governments to facilitate integration. The problems of internal displacement arise in every community, in every region. Among the most pressing issues are housing and employment. It is clear that the issues and needs of IDPs require holistic and systemic solutions. The IDP Council is one of them.”
Such an advisory body has already been established in Poltava. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the region has hosted more than 300,000 people, mostly from Kyivska, Sumska, Chernihivska, Kharkivska, Donetska, Luhanska, and Khersonska oblasts. Around 63,000 IDPs decided to build a new life in the Poltava territorial community, said Valeriy Parkhomenko, First Deputy Mayor of Poltava:
“Up to 7 thousand people used to live in our kindergartens and schools. Now there are 1,500, and they are fully provided with three meals a day. Today, 80% of the IDPs staying in our municipal institutions have nowhere to return to. Their homes have been destroyed, some territories have been de-occupied, and some are still under occupation. Today, Poltava is home to IDPs from almost all over Ukraine that have been affected by the war. That is why we are doing everything we can to help these people adapt and feel as comfortable as possible.”
One of the most pressing issues is employment for the new residents. Valeriy Parkhomenko emphasized that Poltava was the first city in Ukraine to create an employment program for IDPs. Also, anyone willing can undergo free retraining, said Olena Filonych, First Vice-Rector of Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic National University:
“Currently, the university, having a memorandum of cooperation with the employment center, organizes free retraining for absolutely all IDPs within the state program in the form of three-month courses. We have more than 100 educational programs. This is a unique opportunity.”
Four humanitarian assistance centers continue to operate in the city. They provide not only help with work and housing but also medical, legal, and psychological support, according to the city administration. The IDP Council also contributes to these efforts as an effective communication platform for IDPs, officials, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and community members.
The event is made possible through the VIA program implemented by IREX and SSS with support from the U.S. State Department.