The full-scale armed aggression has created systemic challenges for frontline regions. Residents of the Sumy and Chernihiv regions frequently encounter the issue of limited access to legal information and mechanisms for compensation for damages incurred.
From May to November 2025, the Charitable Foundation “Stabilization Support Services,” in partnership with the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) in Ukraine, implemented a project aimed at expanding access to legal aid and information on basic rights for the affected population and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the Sumy and Chernihiv regions. The project also provided targeted financial support for repairs to housing damaged by hostilities in the Okhtyrka community of the Sumy region.
Project Geography: Target communities in the Sumy and Chernihiv regions.
Project Goal: To increase the level of access for the affected population to legal consultations and information support regarding basic rights; to develop the capacity of communities to implement legal protection mechanisms; and to provide cash assistance for repairs to damaged residential premises of households.
Implemented Activities:
- Provision of Free Legal Aid
Project lawyers provided individual legal consultations on housing, land, and property (HLP) rights. Legal support included assistance in drafting and submitting applications for state compensation, documenting damages, and verifying property rights. - Information Sessions and Distribution of Useful Materials
A series of group information sessions were held to increase the legal awareness of beneficiaries in the target communities. The topics covered issues such as obtaining social benefits, restoring lost documents, and using digital tools to access government services. - Capacity Building for IDP Councils and Local Government Representatives
The project contributed to the institutional strengthening of IDP Councils as a tool for protecting the interests of internally displaced persons. Through these activities, community representatives acquired methods of local advocacy, the specifics of developing targeted local programs, and response mechanisms for current challenges in the field of IDP rights protection. - Housing Repairs (Shelter)
A vital component of the project was financial support for residents of the Okhtyrka community whose homes were damaged by shelling. Within the framework of the project, households were paid targeted cash assistance to independently carry out light and medium repairs. This allowed beneficiaries to promptly restore the thermal envelope of their homes (replacement of windows, entrance doors, and roof repairs) before the start of the winter period.
Key Project Results:
- 535 individual legal consultations were provided to IDPs and the affected population.
- 38 information sessions were conducted for 544 IDPs and affected persons, covering compensation mechanisms for damaged and destroyed housing and access to state aid programs and services.
- 18 trainings were conducted for 197 community representatives and human rights defenders on updates to legislation regarding services and benefits for the affected population, including IDPs.
- 6 trainings were conducted for 74 members of IDP Councils, which contributed to strengthening their role in decision-making at the local level.
- 14,000 copies of information materials were distributed in the project’s target communities.
- 26 households received cash assistance for housing repairs in the Okhtyrka community.
This publication was made possible within the project “Expanding Access to Legal Aid and Information on Basic Rights for the Affected Population in Sumy and Chernihiv Regions,” implemented by the Charitable Organization “Charitable Foundation ‘Stabilization Support Services'” together with the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) in Ukraine with the support of Norway.