Social adaptation of internally displaced persons is not just an important issue, but a necessity for our society. As of March 2023, over 5 million IDPs have been registered in the country. All of these people have to go on with their lives in the new environment and undergo a difficult process of adaptation. To ensure the integration of people into communities, this topic requires special attention, regular discussion, and the development of effective tools at the government and local levels.
There is no legal definition of social adaptation of IDPs or distinction between adaptation and integration, and its criteria are defined by different experts in a rather diverse way. In studies by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), it is usually stated that the social adaptation of IDPs is the process of adaptation of people who have been forced to leave their place of residence due to conflict, violence, natural disasters, or other similar reasons to a new social and cultural environment.
Components of social adaptation of IDPs
This process includes a number of interactions with the new environment, such as getting a job, housing, education, access to medical and other social services, as well as building new social ties and integrating into the new community. Since 2014, civil society organizations in Ukraine have implemented hundreds of projects aimed at social adaptation and integration of IDPs. Although there is considerable practical experience in each of these areas, until February 24, 2022, most projects focused on integration, since massive internal displacement had ended in 2016. During the “cold phase” of hostilities, forced internal migration slowed down significantly, so NGOs mostly worked with people who had already gone through the process of adaptation in new communities.
After the full-scale Russian invasion, the number of IDPs in Ukraine increased tenfold. No social support system could be prepared for such a situation, but it is worth noting that Ukraine has gained considerable experience in assisting IDPs during this period. For most organizations helping the affected population, almost all of 2022 was marked by humanitarian response and support for the social adaptation of IDPs. For some, this is the second time they have gone through this process, but it doesn’t make it any easier.
Tools for social adaptation of IDPs
One of the main tools for social adaptation of IDPs is psychological support. It can include individual counseling with a psychologist, group support and therapy sessions, as well as work with public organizations and volunteers.
Another important tool is professional training and retraining. This can include training in new professional skills and practical exercises to help IDPs find work and successfully integrate into their new environment.
Another important tool is access to social services and support, such as healthcare, financial assistance, housing, and food. To ensure the successful adaptation of IDPs, they need to be provided with adequate living conditions and access to the necessary resources.
Implementing policies and programs that facilitate the social adaptation of IDPs and strike a balance between their needs and the needs of vulnerable categories of local community members can also be an important tool for adaptation. These programs may include relevant legislative changes, algorithms for creating special support measures, ensuring access to education, and other important benefits.