It is important to develop and strengthen IDP Councils. The expertise and capacity of these consultative and advisory bodies determine whether the interests of displaced persons will be taken into account in local programs and budgets.
Throughout 2025, we helped IDP Councils become a driving force for change in communities. We are sharing the results of our joint work.
The year in numbers
Our 2025 results:
- 5,186 members of IDP Councils participated in our events;
- 878 consultations were provided to members of IDP Councils;
- 188 events were held to coordinate the work of IDP Councils and provide mentoring support (participation and assistance in organizing meetings);
- 92 training sessions and workshops to develop the capacity of IDP Councils in the regions and 8 nationwide webinars (recordings available on our YouTube channel);
- Strategic sessions for 49 IDP Councils;
- 24 integration events in 23 oblasts for World Refugee Day;
- 23 meetings as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.
- 4 interregional forums of IDP Councils;
- 1 All-Ukrainian forum of IDP Councils.
Activities and Impact: How Our Support Works on the Ground
Ivano-Frankivsk: Support for holding an open meeting of the IDP Council under the Ivano-Frankivska Oblast State Administration
Public meetings ensure transparency and demonstrate the Council’s real impact on local policymaking. In March, we provided technical and organizational support to the IDP Council under the Ivano-Frankivska Oblast State Administration in holding a public meeting in a mixed format (online and offline). In addition, during the event, a lawyer from the regional project team explained the procedure for obtaining compensation for destroyed and damaged housing and provided recommendations to the IDP Councils of Ivano-Frankivska Oblast on further advocacy of housing issues in communities.
Ternopilska Oblast: Facilitating the registration of internally displaced persons in need of temporary housing in the Velykoberezovytska community
In April, the regional project team in Ternopilska Oblast supported the newly established IDP Council under the Executive Committee of the Velyka Berezovytsia Settlement Council by conducting a training session entitled “The Experience of Territorial Communities in Resolving IDP Housing Issues and the Role of the IDP Council in this Process.” At the next meeting of the IDP Council, a decision was made to submit a proposal to the settlement council on introducing a systematic approach to resolving IDP housing issues and the importance of keeping records of IDPs. In September, a special commission was created, and a system was introduced to register displaced persons in need of temporary housing in the community.
Zaporizhia: Training session on “Reporting by IDP Councils: Key Stages, Structure, Content” held for members of the IDP Council under the Dolynska Village Council
The majority of IDP Councils, especially newly established ones, require training and mentoring support. During this training, we familiarized Council members with the reporting requirements of the law: we explained the reporting period and to whom, and explored the structure and content of the report. This will help the Council build transparent communication with the community and present the results of its work.
Kharkivska Oblast: Support for advocacy campaign to obtain material assistance for IDPs
With the support of the regional project team in Kharkivska Oblast and in cooperation with the IDP Council under the Executive Committee of the Pivdenne City Council, a local advocacy campaign was conducted. The new version of the “Regulations on the Provision of One-Time Material Assistance to Citizens in the Territory of the Pivdenne City Council at the Expense of the City Budget” was adopted. The document stipulates that internally displaced persons who are registered and live in the territory of the Pivdenne community are entitled to receive material assistance.
Zhytomyrska Oblast: Training session on “The Impact of the IDP Council on Improving Support for Displaced Persons” held for the IDP Council under the Zviahel City Council
The training session participants examined in detail the IDP Council’s tasks and powers and received recommendations on planning activities. Using examples of success stories from other regions, they learned about effective advocacy campaign strategies and how to turn initiatives into real solutions.
Dnipropetrovska Oblast: Strategic session held for the IDP Council under the Mahdalynivka Settlement Council
Thanks to the mentoring and expert support of our team, the IDP Council has developed strategic and operational plans for 2025-2027. The main strategic priorities include: organizational and institutional development of the Council, development of partnerships, development of recommendations for the housing program, and assistance in the integration and adaptation of displaced persons.
Mykolaivska Oblast: Workshop held for new members of IDP Councils
Workshop participants learned about the rights and responsibilities of IDP Councils and received practical guidance on conducting meetings, preparing minutes and reports, and cooperating with authorities.
Forums for IDP Councils
During September and October, we held four interregional forums of IDP Councils, which served as platforms for exchanging experiences and finding a common vision for the development of IDP Councils.
- The Eastern Ukrainian Forum of IDP Councils brought together representatives of IDP Councils from Dnipropetrovska, Donetska, Zaporizka, Sumska, Kharkivska, and Chernihivska oblasts.
- Members of IDP Councils from Vinnytska, Zhytomyrska, Kyivska, Kirovohradska, Poltavska, and Cherkaska oblasts joined the Central Ukrainian Forum of IDP Councils.
- The Western Ukrainian Forum of IDP Councils was attended by representatives of IDP Councils from Volynska, Zakarpatska, Ivano-Frankivska, Lvivska, Rivnenska, Ternopilska, Khmelnytska, and Chernivetska oblasts.
- The Southern Ukrainian Forum of IDP Councils brought together members of IDP Councils from Mykolaivska, Odeska, and Khersonska oblasts.
Each of these forums provided a space to discuss common challenges, share success stories, and develop solutions that enhance the effectiveness of IDP Councils in communities.
In November, the III All-Ukrainian Forum of IDP Councils was held, attended by representatives of the Office of the President of Ukraine, the government, the Verkhovna Rada, local authorities, international organizations, donor institutions, and members of IDP Councils working in communities across the country.
The forum’s program focused on three strategic areas: impact, sustainable development, and partnership.
A key event was the presentation of the Declaration of Intent “Sustainable and Quality Reconstruction: Involving Councils on Internally Displaced Persons in the Reconstruction Process.” This is the first document that records a public commitment to involve displaced persons and affected communities in decision-making on post-war reconstruction.
The forum was organized by the Charity Foundation “Stabilization Support Services” in partnership with the Ministry of Community and Territorial Development of Ukraine, with the support of UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency in Ukraine, and the International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX).
Online training: A series of explainers called “Knowledge Bank,” webinars, and a video course
We strive to make quality knowledge available to all representatives of the IDP Councils in Ukraine.
In early 2025, we launched the video training course “For IDPs: From Adaptation to Impact”. This course is available free of charge on the Diia.Education platform. In eight short episodes, we have concentrated as much useful information as possible on how to influence local policy and improve the lives of IDPs. You can take the course at a convenient time for you, returning to difficult topics as needed. After completing the course, you will receive a certificate and 0.1 credits from the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
We have also developed five information materials for IDP Councils on the most relevant topics:
- How to Organize and Hold a Meeting of an IDP Council: A Step-by-Step Guide
- What You Need to Know About Updating the Composition of the IDP Council
- Mentorship Support for IDP Councils
- Guidelines for Preparing the Minutes of an IDP Council Meeting
- Tasks and Rights of IDP Councils: A Brief Overview for Effective Work
We held 8 webinars for IDP Council members. Our team always carefully selected topics and speakers to ensure that the online events were as useful and informative as possible. All webinar recordings are available on our YouTube channel:
- “New opportunities for communities opened up by Law No. 3703-IX ”On People’s Power at the Local Self-Government Level.“
- ”Reporting by IDP Councils: main stages, structure, content.“
- ”Presentation of the activities and achievements of IDP Councils (gathering information about achievements, creating materials, and organizing presentations).”
- “Analysis and evaluation of local target programs regarding the consideration and satisfaction of IDP needs.”
- “How to evaluate the effectiveness of IDP Councils?”
- “Involvement of IDPs and the local population in active cooperation and participation in the work of IDP Councils.”
- “Training for new members of IDP Councils.”
- “The role of IDP Councils in planning, implementing, and monitoring public investments in communities.”
In addition, we have prepared two editions of the “Radnyk for IDP Councils” handbook. These are practical tools for everyday use that will enhance IDP Council members’ expertise and help create effective support programs. The handbooks are available at:
Radnyk for IDP Councils. Issue 1
Radnyk for IDP Councils. Issue 2
Portal of IDP Councils: Interactive tools and methodological support
Ukraine now has a specialized information resource, the Portal of IDP Councils. This online resource offers users an interactive map with key information about each IDP Council, useful materials, legislative updates, and news on relevant topics. The platform also allows IDP Councils to share their news and events, strengthening their visibility and influence at the local level.
Developed in partnership with the Congress of IDP Councils NGO, the portal aims to help IDP Councils develop and provide them with relevant information. We bring IDP Councils together to promote cooperation, advocate for IDP rights, and develop communities.We support IDP Councils through the Support to the Capacity of Government Institutions and Local Hromadas to Strengthen Social Protection Systems in Ukraine project, implemented with the support of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency in Ukraine.