In the context of the forced displacement of millions of Ukrainians due to Russian aggression, the exchange of experience and the strengthening of IDP participation have become critically important. Strengthening the involvement of IDPs means ensuring that displaced women and men have the opportunity to actively influence the development and implementation of decisions, policies, and programs that affect their rights, needs, and integration into communities.
At the end of 2024, Canada hosted an international seminar, “Strengthening the Participation of Internally Displaced Persons: Challenges and Opportunities.” One of the key panels was dedicated to Ukraine’s unique experience. The following experts shared their insights and practices:
- Valeriia Vershynina, Executive Director of CF “Stabilization Support Services”
- Tetyana Durnyeva, Chair of the Board of the NGO “Civic Holding ‘Group of Influence’”
- Yana Liubymova, Head of the IDP Council under the Luhanska Oblast Military Administration.
During the discussions, participants explored the barriers and risks hindering greater IDP participation, from legal obstacles and lack of resources to social stigmatization, security threats, and psychological challenges. Effective engagement mechanisms were also analyzed, including both formal and informal approaches to participation at local, national, and international levels. Special attention was given to the need for cooperation among governments, international and non-governmental organizations, and IDPs themselves, as well as the importance of localizing efforts. The participants emphasized the crucial importance of inclusivity, particularly the need to account for gender, age, disability, and ethnicity for truly meaningful participation. Participants also analyzed the experiences of various countries, including Ukraine, Colombia, Nigeria, and Ethiopia.
Ukraine’s participation is crucial in uniting the international community around the issue of internal displacement and in sharing our unique experience in overcoming the consequences of war.
You can read the full report from the international seminar, which compiles key findings, cross-country analysis, and detailed recommendations for all stakeholders.
The report is available here.
To learn more about how IDPs become leaders in Ukraine, the role of women, the challenges, and the unique aspects of our experience, watch the video featuring our speakers!
This event was a joint initiative of the Office of the UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons, UNHCR, the IDP Protection Expert Group (IPEG), and McGill University. It brought together IDP leaders from different countries, IPEG members, as well as experts from academia, NGOs, and the United Nations. The participation of Ukrainian representatives helped unite the international community around the issues facing Ukrainian IDPs. Other workshop speakers included representatives from Colombia, Honduras, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Iraq, and Uganda.
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.