IDPs can and have the right to influence decisions made in host communities. By uniting, they become a powerful force that creates opportunities for development and helps implement initiatives that improve the lives of the entire community.
Participation in community life is possible through various local democracy mechanisms. This is not just an opportunity to express one’s opinion, but also a real tool for improving living conditions, gaining support, and protecting one’s rights.
In our explainer, we talk about:
- How IDPs can influence local policy.
- What participation mechanisms are available for IDPs in community life.
- Which initiatives are already in place and working well.
The recently adopted Law of Ukraine 3703-IX, “On People’s Power at the Level of Local Self-Government,” guarantees IDPs full participation in the life of host communities.
How Can IDPs Influence Local Policies?
IDP associations can help achieve goals that align with their shared interests, ensuring social justice, protection, and the fulfillment of all IDP rights.
IDPs have the right to participate in addressing local issues through local democracy mechanisms as members of the community*.
A resident is a citizen of Ukraine who has declared or registered their place of residence within the territorial community or whose actual place of residence/stay is confirmed by an IDP registration certificate (excluding conscripts, individuals serving a court-imposed sentence in a place of detention).
*Law of Ukraine “On Amendments to the Law of Ukraine ‘On Local Self-Government in Ukraine’ and Other Legislative Acts of Ukraine On People’s Power at the Local Level” No. 3703-IX dated May 9, 2024.
Community residents, including IDPs, can participate in the following activities and associations to address local issues:
- Local referendums.
- General meetings (conferences) of residents.
- Local initiatives.
- Public hearings.
- Planning and allocation of the local budget.
- Public consultations organized by local self-government bodies.
- Participation in advisory bodies established under local self-government bodies and/or officials.
- Public evaluation of the activities of local self-government bodies and officials.
- Other forms of participation that do not contradict the law.
More details on some forms of participation are provided below.
A general meeting (conference) of residents is a gathering of the entire or part of the community where local issues can be resolved.
How many people are needed?
- For general meetings: more than 1/2 of residents with voting rights who live in the area where the meeting is held.
- For a conference: more than 2/3 of the number of delegates determined by the quota.
A local initiative is a mechanism allowing residents to independently draft a decision proposal
The local council reviews the decision (proposal) at the next regular session.
Representatives authorized by the general meeting/conference (members of the initiative group on local initiatives) must be invited to the session and have the right to speak.
A public hearing is a meeting with local deputies and representatives of local self-government where local issues can be discussed, and proposals for their resolution can be submitted.
Public hearings are mandatory when it is necessary to:
- Adopt or amend the community statute.
- Discuss drafts of concepts, programs, strategies, plans (excluding the strategic development plan of the community and amendments to it), the local self-government budget, and other issues defined by law or the community statute.
Local authorities must review proposals submitted as a result of public hearings within 30 calendar days.
Consultative and advisory bodies are auxiliary bodies established by local authorities on a permanent or temporary basis to carry out their responsibilities. They operate on a voluntary basis using a collegial approach.
A Council on Issues of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP Council) is one such body.
The objective of an IDP Council is the implementation of regional policies related to ensuring and protecting the rights and interests of IDPs. Additionally, such councils contribute to the effective functioning of communities and help develop effective mechanisms for IDP adaptation and integration.
Displaced persons can participate in an IDP Council’s activities by:
- Nominating themselves for membership in the IDP Council.
- Attending its open meetings.
- Submitting proposals and initiating issues for discussion at IDP Council meetings.
Public evaluation of the activities of local self-government bodies and their representatives is a form of public oversight that allows for the analysis of the work of the abovementioned bodies.
Findings and proposals resulting from the evaluation are reviewed by:
- The executive committee, with the participation of the initiators of the evaluation, within 30 working days from the date of submission.
- The local council, at its next regular session.
Examples of successful IDP associations
- In Vinnytsia, IDPs established the Spilna Sprava housing and construction cooperative and self-funded the construction of a 105-apartment building.
- In Mukachevo, Chernihiv, Kyiv, and Khmelnytskyi, IDPs opened AwareZone coworking spaces for local youth and IDPs. In the Khmelnytskyi coworking space, 15 computer-equipped workstations were installed thanks to donations.
- The D.O.M.48.24 NGO in Ivano-Frankivsk region operates in three areas: women’s rights protection, cultural development, and social entrepreneurship development.
Its initiatives include: Safe Spaces projects, Women’s Support and Development Centers, Beauty Coworking, training for massage therapists, manicurists, and trainers, business courses, documentary theater, an IDP picnic, job fairs, the Women’s Stories Forum, and a podcast featuring stories of women who managed to escape the circle of domestic violence.
- In a village in Kirovohradska Oblast, IDPs from Rubizhne and local residents formed an initiative group, were awarded a grant, and obtained equipment for land cultivation. Activists farm their own plots, cultivate abandoned land, and supply fresh organic vegetables to displaced families.
- Three NGOs from Donetsk region formed the informal coalition Inclusive Recovery of Ukraine, which now includes 25 civil society organizations from various oblasts. The coalition works on legislative changes to improve mechanisms for public participation in the recovery process.
- The Poruch Charity Foundation fosters a culture of volunteering, uniting people for mutual aid and support. Seventy percent of its team consists of IDPs from combat zones or occupied territories.
- In the Bilotserkivska, Kamyanska, Kamianets-Podilska, and Rivnenska communities, IDP Councils have developed and support the implementation of local integration programs for displaced persons.
- In the updated statutes of the Khmelnytska and Lutska communities, IDP Councils have ensured that displaced persons can participate in all forms of civic participation in local self-government.
- In Kropyvnytskyi and Poltava, IDP Councils successfully advocated for the restoration of health and recreation programs for children and secured increased funding to include children displaced from occupied territories and areas currently affected by hostilities.
This publication was prepared with the support of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency in Ukraine. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of the Charitable Organization “Charity Foundation “Stabilization Support Services” and cannot be used to reflect the view of UNHCR.
The information is current as of January 31, 2025.