On May 1, the regional forum “The Social Sphere During Wartime: Regional Experience, Challenges, and Prospects for the Communities of Ivano-Frankivska Oblast” took place in Ivano-Frankivsk. The event was organized by the Charity Foundation “Stabilization Support Services” with the support of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency in Ukraine. Representatives from state authorities, local self-government bodies, social services, medical institutions, civil society, and international organizations discussed how to adapt and develop the region’s social protection system amid the full-scale war.
Participants focused on urgent challenges related to the significant strain on the social system. Key topics included improving access to social services for internally displaced persons and other vulnerable groups, developing care services (including medical and palliative care), organizing services from early intervention to supported living, and rehabilitating veterans and affected civilians.
Liudmyla Sirko, Deputy Head of the Ivano-Frankivska Oblast State Administration, said, “Today, we are addressing the critical topic of providing social services, particularly in the medical and social sectors. We are placing great emphasis on the elderly, people with disabilities, and families in difficult life circumstances. The oblast has eight social institutions, including nursing homes and psycho-neurological residential facilities. We also work closely with territorial communities, which have 35 municipal institutions, including nine territorial centers for residential care and one geriatric nursing home.”
At the same time, the war creates significant obstacles to the system’s proper functioning. Vitalii Verbovyi, Representative of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights in Ivano-Frankivska Oblast, outlined alarming trends:
“We are observing a deteriorating situation regarding the protection of human rights in these institutions. This is an indirect consequence of the war, which affects social services due to staff shortages. Unfortunately, there is also inadequate oversight.”
Forum participants included representatives from the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine (online), Valeriia Vershynina, Executive Director of the Charity Foundation “Stabilization Support Services,” Sandra Stroem, Community Liaison Advisor at the UNHCR Lviv Field Office, Liudmyla Sirko, Deputy Head of the Ivano-Frankivsk OSA, Vitalii Verbovyi, Representative of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, as well as experts from government agencies, social services, medical facilities, and non-governmental organizations.
The event served as a vital platform for sharing experiences, coordinating efforts, and developing joint strategies to strengthen the social protection system in Ivano-Frankivska Oblast, enhancing its resilience and ability to respond effectively to wartime challenges.
The event was conducted by the Charity Foundation “Stabilization Support Services” with the support of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency in Ukraine.