In recent years, the Charity Foundation “Stabilization Support Services” has organized two large-scale All-Ukrainian Forums of IDP Councils. These events have become landmark occasions for the development of the IDP Council community, fostering communication between the Councils and government authorities, and outlining directions for future changes in policies concerning displaced persons.
I All-Ukrainian Forum of IDP Councils
Date and Location: November 1–3, 2023, Kyiv
Event Overview
The Forum brought together representatives of IDP Councils, government bodies, local authorities from across the country, international partners, and civil society. Its main goal was to discuss the challenges of displacement, explore effective integration pathways for IDPs, and develop a shared vision for the future of IDP Councils.
Key Topics and Panels
- The Role and Functions of IDP Councils: ensuring their effectiveness
- Protection of IDP Rights: challenges and opportunities under martial law
- Building Community Capacity: cooperation between government agencies, international organizations, and IDP Councils
- Information Security and Communication: combating disinformation and disseminating reliable information
The Forum gathered many experts from various fields, including human rights advocates, government officials, international partners, and civil society representatives. Among the speakers were:
- Iryna Vereshchuk, Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine – Minister for Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories (2021–2024)
- Karolina Lindholm Billing, Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Ukraine
- Paula Gaviria Betancur, UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons
- Matthew Johnson, Stabilization Advisor at the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine
- Valeriia Vershynina, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Charity Foundation “Stabilization Support Services” and expert on IDP issues (since June 2024 – Executive Director of the Foundation)
Key Achievements
- Inclusion of IDP Council heads from all oblasts and Kyiv in the Coordination Headquarters under the Office of Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk
- Presentation of an interactive map of IDP Councils, enabling quick access to local councils and their contacts
- Development of amendments to Resolution No. 812 (Model Regulation on the IDP Council) and other regulatory acts
Media Coverage of the First Forum
To learn more about the key outcomes, read Valeriia Vershynina’s column “IDPs, Councils, and Communities: How Should the State Policy Toward IDPs in Ukraine Change?” on the Rubryka website.
The I All-Ukrainian Forum of IDP Councils was organized by the Charity Foundation “Stabilization Support Services” in partnership with the Ministry for Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine and with the support of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency in Ukraine, and the International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX).
II All-Ukrainian Forum of IDP Councils
Date and Location: August 27–28, 2024, Kyiv
Event Overview
The second Forum was a logical continuation of the first, focusing on analyzing achievements and further steps in developing the IDP Council network. The event brought together approximately 300 participants, including government representatives, civil society organizations, IDP Councils, international partners, and displaced persons.
Key Topics and Panels
- Integration of IDPs into Communities: adapting policies to address new challenges
- Access to Social Services and Housing for IDPs
- Economic Integration and Employment Opportunities for Displaced Persons
- International Experience in Supporting IDPs and Prospects for Ukraine
Experts who shared their insights and solutions at the Forum included:
- Iryna Vereshchuk, Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine – Minister for Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories (2021–2024)
- Matthew Johnson, Stabilization Advisor at the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine
- Karolina Lindholm Billing, Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Ukraine
- Uliana Bakh, Project Director at IREX Ukraine
Key Achievements
- Expansion of the network of IDP Councils and strengthening their role in communities
- Establishment of the Congress of IDP Councils NGO — a coordination platform for experience exchange between Councils. Founding documents for the NGO were also signed.
- Development of a Recommendation Package for the Government on IDP support
The event was organized by the Charity Foundation “Stabilization Support Services” in partnership with the Ministry for Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine, with support from UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency in Ukraine, and the International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX).
Both Forums have been significant milestones in the field of IDP support and integration in Ukraine. They have contributed to the creation of a strong IDP Council network. There is still much work ahead, but these events have already become an important step toward building an inclusive society where IDP rights are recognized at all levels.
The III All-Ukrainian Forum of IDP Councils is planned for 2025. Stay updated on the IDP Council Portal to catch the official announcement.
This publication was prepared with the support of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency in Ukraine. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of the Charity Foundation “Stabilization Support Services” and does not reflect the views of UNHCR.