IDP Councils play a key role in supporting displaced persons and fostering community development. In 2024, they achieved significant results in advocating for IDP rights, attracting funding, and implementing social initiatives.
This overview highlights only some of the IDP Councils’ achievements over the year. In our subsequent publications, we will provide more details on other initiatives and successful cases.
National-Level Support for IDPs
In October 2024, the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine registered the non-governmental organization Congress of IDP Councils. The initiative was launched by the Charity Foundation “Stabilization Support Services,” which has been cooperating with IDP Councils since 2019.
The Congress’s goal is to unite over 800 IDP Councils to protect the rights of displaced individuals at the national level, promote the development of a joint action plan, and enhance their impact.
Thanks to the active efforts of IDP Councils, important legislative changes were initiated and advanced. On December 11, 2024, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine registered a bill on the protection of IDP rights in mountainous communities. The initiators of these changes were 7 IDP Councils from Lvivska, Zakarpatska, Ivano-Frankivska, and Chernivetska oblasts. During the 2024 Western Ukrainian Forum of IDP Councils, they prepared a joint appeal to Members of Parliament, calling for IDPs in mountainous communities to be granted access to legally guaranteed benefits.
Advocacy and Cooperation with Local Authorities
IDP Councils across Ukraine play an important role in shaping local social policies aimed at supporting displaced individuals. They initiate changes to local programs, contribute to the integration of IDPs into communities, and attract additional funding to address pressing needs.
Let’s take a look at several achievements of IDP Councils in different oblasts in 2024.
Kyiv
Key developments in IDP housing policy were presented at the open meeting of the IDP Council under the Kyiv City Military Administration (KCMA), organized by the Charity Foundation “Stabilization Support Services” at the Osvitoria Hub space on March 26, 2024. One significant step was a study conducted by the IDP Council on the needs of displaced persons in Kyiv (study details in Ukrainian), which served as the basis for a draft municipal integration program for IDPs for 2025–2027. Additionally, a petition was initiated to the local authorities calling for the program’s adoption.
Chernivetska Oblast
In September 2024, the executive committee of the Chernivtsi City Council passed Resolution No. 626/18 dated September 10, 2024, which allows IDPs to receive subsidized dental prosthetics at the Municipal Dental Policlinic. These amendments to the reimbursement procedure for free prosthetics and the provision of therapeutic and surgical dental care to eligible residents of the Chernivtsi City Territorial Community were initiated and advocated for by the IDP Council at the executive committee of the Chernivtsi City Council.
What changed? Previously, the cost of this service was reimbursed only for local residents with special status (based on Executive Committee Resolution No. 81/3 dated February 13, 2024). Under the new resolution, IDPs who have been registered in Chernivtsi for over two years and belong to eligible categories — combat veterans, family members of fallen soldiers, persons with disabilities, veterans, or pensioners — can now also access the free service.
Khmelnytska Oblast
The Coordination Council on IDP Issues (IDP Council) of the Slavuta City Territorial Community initiated a review of local programs for the social protection of displaced individuals. The IDP Council participated in the analysis and presentation of the monitoring results, which showed that the need for additional support remains relevant. The Council’s recommendations were taken into account in the development of the Pikluivannia program for the residents of the Slavuta City Territorial Community for 2025–2027.
What changed? One-time targeted financial assistance for IDPs was extended for the next program period, which will strengthen the social protection of displaced individuals in the community.
Poltavska Oblast
The Lubnenska community considered the needs of IDPs during the development of the Comprehensive Program for the Development of Social Protection of the Population for 2025–2027. The program provides one-time financial assistance to internally displaced persons registered in the Lubnenska Territorial Community to address social and domestic issues. Assistance is granted by a commission that reviews requests for solid fuel in the form of firewood and material aid to the Lubnenska Territorial Community’s population.
What changed? Previously, the program lacked a clear definition of IDP beneficiaries, as it used the general term “citizens of the territorial community.” Thanks to the initiative and active involvement of the IDP Council, a proposal was made to specify the categories of aid recipients, highlighting children with disabilities among IDPs and displaced families in difficult life circumstances. This decision enabled a more targeted and equitable distribution of social support.
Rivnenska Oblast
In Zdolbuniv, a Support Program for IDPs for 2025–2027 was developed and approved with the participation of the IDP Council. The program was based on the results of a sociological study on IDP needs, conducted by the IDP Council at the Zdolbuniv City Council in cooperation with local self-government bodies.
What changed? The adopted program defines the general principles and key directions for supporting internally displaced persons. The document is aimed at effectively addressing the social challenges that arise during forced displacement and introduces a systematic and targeted approach while coordinating the efforts of executive authorities. Key objectives of the program include reducing social tension among IDPs, facilitating their integration and social adaptation at their new place of residence, supporting the creation of proper living conditions, and ensuring the protection of their rights, as well as providing social, medical, psychological, financial support, and opportunities for realizing their potential.
Attracting Funding and Implementing Projects
Thanks to the efforts of IDP Councils in 2024, international funding was secured and a number of important social initiatives were implemented.
Rivnenska Oblast
In the Dubnenska community in 2023, the IDP Council initiated the development of a Procedure for the Formation of a Housing Stock for Temporary Accommodation of Internally Displaced Persons, Accounting and Provision of Such Housing for Temporary Accommodation of Internally Displaced Persons in the Dubno City Territorial Community. The IDP Council, together with local authorities, conducted a study to assess the housing needs of displaced individuals and raised the issue of the need to establish a regulatory framework.
As a continuation of this housing initiative, the Dubno City Council signed a grant contract, “EU Support to Housing for internally displaced people (IDPs) in Dubno.” In 2024, this project launched the construction of a multi-apartment building for IDPs. In July 2024, amendments were made to the Program for Providing Housing to Internally Displaced Persons in Dubno for 2022–2024, extending its implementation through 2025. Under the program, a registry was created to track IDPs in need of temporary housing. As of December 1, 2024, a total of 222 IDPs were registered as needing temporary accommodation.
Zakarpatska Oblast
On the initiative of the Coordination Council on IDP Issues (IDP Council) in Uzhhorod and with the direct participation of displaced persons, the Uzhhorod City Council organized the Create Your Own Uzhhorod ideathon. With the support of donor organizations, contest participants and civil society organizations were able to implement nine projects in areas such as inclusion, integration, and safety within the Uzhhorod community. The project was carried out with financial support from UNDP Ukraine and SOS Children’s Villages international charitable organization.
Odeska Oblast
In April, a strategic session for the IDP Council at the Odeska Oblast Military Administration identified the need for a joint event for IDP Councils in Odeska Oblast. The IDP Council in Odeska Oblast initiated the organization of a regional forum for IDP Councils and submitted a funding request to UNHCR Ukraine.
The first forum, held in June, helped establish communication among IDP Councils at various levels. It was agreed that the regional council would collect shared requests, and a coordination mechanism was developed. During the second forum, held in October, the heads of IDP Councils from various communities of Odeska Oblast exchanged experiences and discussed tools to improve their effectiveness.
First forum for representatives of IDP Councils in Odeska Oblast
Integration and Adaptation of IDPs
IDP Councils supported the adaptation and integration of IDPs by providing them with informational support.
Ternopilska Oblast
The IDP Council at the Ternopilska Oblast Military Administration, in cooperation with the Department of Digital Transformation, developed and implemented an information and coordination platform for displaced persons in Ternopilska Oblast. The platform provides IDPs with access to information about available assistance, facilitates coordination, and helps them adapt quickly to life in the city and region. It also offers the possibility to contact the IDP Council directly.
Odeska Oblast
The IDP Council under the Odeska Oblast Military Administration created a dedicated page on the administration’s website, where it publishes information about its activities, Council leadership contacts, its current yearly work plan, past year reports, and a Guide listing organizations that offer services and support for IDPs. This guide enables IDPs to find the assistance they need, including legal, humanitarian, medical, psychological, and educational support. The availability of information about the Council’s activities also increases transparency and raises awareness among IDPs about local changes and initiatives driven by the IDP Council.
Vinnytska Oblast
A new section titled “Information for IDPs” appeared on the website of the Vinnytska Oblast Military Administration. It was created at the initiative of and based on recommendations from the IDP Council under the Vinnytska Oblast Military Administration. The section includes information about legal regulations on IDPs, housing assistance, details about the IDP Council, and other useful resources for displaced persons.
Poltavska Oblast
At the initiative of the IDP Council under the Poltava City Council, a “Guide for IDPs in Poltava” (online explainer cards, a poster, and a leaflet) was developed. The guide provides essential contacts and information about social services for displaced persons. The printed version was distributed to the Pension Fund, social protection department, train and bus stations, city hall, and at various events for IDPs. The Council is currently working on updating the publication.
Sumska Oblast
A roadmap for IDPs was created by the IDP Council of the Sumy City Territorial Community in 2024. The roadmap includes useful contacts and practical steps for displaced persons to take upon arrival in the community. The digital version of the roadmap was published on the Sumy City Council website in the “Council on IDP Issues” section and shared on social media. The information in the guide will be periodically updated.
6 Success Stories from IDP Councils
How do communities become stronger thanks to displaced people? How do IDP Councils implement initiatives that truly change lives?
In this video, six representatives of IDP Councils share their experiences — from overcoming the challenges of displacement to launching powerful advocacy initiatives. The video features the following regions: Kharkivska Oblast (Zmiyivska community), Rivnenska Oblast (Rivnenska community), Cherkaska Oblast, Ivano-Frankivska Oblast (Kaluska community), Chernihivska Oblast (Prylutska community), and Zakarpatska Oblast (Uzhhorodska community).
This video showcases how IDP Councils are transforming communities and becoming the drivers of development.
In 2024, IDP Councils proved effective in supporting displaced individuals, promoting their integration, and contributing to community development. Through rights advocacy, cooperation with authorities, and the attraction of international funding, they have become key agents of change, improving the quality of life for IDPs. Further strengthening and expanding the IDP Council network will help create even more effective mechanisms for supporting and integrating displaced persons within communities.
This publication was made with the support of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency in Ukraine. The content of the publication is the sole responsibility of the Charitable Organization “Charity Foundation “Stabilization Support Services” and does not reflect the views of UNHCR.