In the wake of the full-scale conflict, an increasing number of Ukrainians, particularly internally displaced persons (IDPs), are seeking legal support. Their main concerns involve reestablishing access to social services and benefits, obtaining or reinstating IDP financial aid, and determining the possibility of restoring violated rights or receiving compensation for damages incurred.
Our Foundation’s experts provide free legal consultations regarding the adherence to the rights and freedoms of IDPs, assisting in resolving the challenges faced by these individuals.
“Mostly, the consultations provided by our Foundation’s legal experts pertain to the procedures for applying for and receiving administrative social services. These inquiries originate from the population affected by the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. The advantages of such support are substantial, as it alleviates the strain on both IDPs (with over 4 million internally displaced persons presently registered) and the social protection system. Furthermore, being aware of one’s rights and freedoms ensures a life of dignity and the opportunity for comprehensive integration of IDPs,” explained Natalia Kryvosheyeva, the Foundation’s chief lawyer.
Throughout January and February, we provided 3,674 legal consultations to local self-government bodies, IDPs, and other individuals impacted by the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine.
Our legal professionals have facilitated the resolution of issues such as:
- Restoration of lost documents;
- Allocation of government-funded social assistance and benefits, encompassing pensions, IDP accommodation compensation, living allowances for IDPs, child birth support, and more;
- Disbursement of alimony, safeguarding of children’s interests, particularly those displaced from temporarily occupied territories;
- Procedures for registering or declaring a place of residence.
Inquiries pertaining to legal assistance also reveal systemic patterns and challenges. For instance, we have identified difficulties encountered by internally displaced parents concerning the registration of their children based on birth certificates issued by another country. Moreover, IDPs report the annulment or postponement of social payments due to technical malfunctions in electronic systems, specifically in relation to the cancellation of accommodation compensation for IDP families with newborns.
Upon analyzing the most frequent inquiries, we devise educational and informational materials that can be utilized by individuals as instruments to safeguard their rights.
We offer free legal assistance within the scope of the “Supporting the Capacity of the Social Protection System to Register of Internally Displaced Persons” project, executed with the financial backing of the United Nations Refugee Agency in Ukraine.
If, as a consequence of internal displacement, you require legal consultation on matters such as IDP registration, restoration or allocation of state-funded social assistance, benefits, and services, kindly contact our Foundation’s regional lawyers or complete a short questionnaire.
Our consultants will promptly reach out to you and provide expert legal support.