The Central Ukrainian Forum of IDP Councils took place in Vinnytsia on September 25–26. Key conclusions of the Central Ukrainian Forum of IDP Councils included:
- Regular consultations for IDPs and the involvement of internally displaced people in local programs accelerate their integration and make policies more effective;
- Transparent communication and joint initiatives between IDPs and local residents help strengthen trust and social cohesion in communities;
- IDP Councils are becoming platforms for real solutions—from temporary housing projects to partnerships with businesses for humanitarian support;
- The key factors for the success of IDP Councils are the clarity of requests, transparency, partnership with authorities and international organizations, constructive dialogue, and persistence in defending interests.
Over the two days of the Forum, representatives of IDP Councils from six oblasts — Vinnytska, Zhytomyrska, Kyivska, Kirovohradska, Poltavska, and Cherkaska — participated in panel discussions, interactive sessions, and training. The event became a space for dialogue, partnerships, and developing solutions to enhance the effectiveness of IDP Councils.
During the forum’s opening, Iryna Vereshchuk, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, gave a welcome speech to the audience.
“For victory and a just peace, we must learn how to live in times of prolonged war and care for those who need genuine support. It is for this purpose that IDP Councils were created. They help internally displaced people and simultaneously foster a dialogue with the authorities around concrete and achievable solutions. It is important that the Councils maintain high-quality communication on social media and in the media, as transparency and openness strengthen trust. The forums of IDP Councils have emerged as a platform for exchanging experiences and synchronizing efforts. I can assure you: the Office of the President and I personally remain reliable partners in supporting displaced persons,” said Iryna Vereshchuk.
“The UN Refugee Agency has been supporting internally displaced persons in Ukraine since 2014, and since 2022, the scale of this support has significantly increased. We understand well that humanitarian aid is necessary, but capacity building is no less important. That is why I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Charity Foundation ‘Stabilization Support Services’ and other partners who are committed to strengthening the institutional capacity of IDP Councils and local organizations working with displaced persons. Unfortunately, for many people today, there is no opportunity to return home, and they are forced to integrate into new communities. In this process, IDP Councils play a key role: they help establish connections with local authorities, advocate for rights, and ensure access to social services for forcibly displaced persons,” said Volodymyr Melnyk, Junior Protection Adviser at UNHCR.
“We, Ukrainians, have a unique superpower: when we face injustice or trouble, we unite and act. At the beginning of the war, humanitarian aid was the main focus. But then the question arose: what’s next? This is how the idea of IDP Councils emerged — so that displaced persons are not just recipients of aid, but full-fledged participants in the life of their new communities. We are learning to articulate needs clearly so that communities can respond effectively, and to build partnerships instead of just asking. Our advocacy work does not yield immediate results, but it is what changes communities from within. I thank everyone who works for these changes every day. You are inspiring. Our Forum is a place where we can all find support, new ideas, and like-minded people,” said Valeriia Vershynina, Executive Director of the Charity Foundation “Stabilization Support Services.”
During the panel discussions, participants shared their experiences in advocating for IDP rights, overcoming difficulties, engaging partners, communicating with authorities, and involving internally displaced people and the local population in active cooperation and participation in the work of IDP Councils.
During the Forum, attendees were introduced to the capabilities of the IDP Councils Portal. CF SSS created this online resource to support IDP Councils, help them develop, and provide them with up-to-date information: analytics, updates on relevant legislation, and practical materials for effective work. The interactive map presented on the portal makes IDP Councils more visible to displaced persons and local authorities. The information about the Councils is current and regularly updated: one can see which ones are functioning and where they have been established: at the oblast, raion, or community level.
In October, two interregional forums, one in Lviv and the other in Odesa, which will soon be announced, await representatives of IDP Councils. In November, the third All-Ukrainian Forum of IDP Councils will be held.
Events for IDP Councils are conducted by the Charity Foundation “Stabilization Support Services” with the support of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency in Ukraine. We will continue to help develop the network of IDP Councils and create opportunities for their growth.
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.