Open Statement by IDP Councils
This statement has been prepared based on the positions and concerns expressed by representatives of IDP Councils from different regions of Ukraine during an online discussion on possible changes to the system for shaping and implementing state policy on internal displacement.
Following the resignation of the Government on 15 July 2026, reports began to appear in the public domain regarding a possible redistribution of responsibilities for state policy on internal displacement. In particular, discussions concerned both the possible transfer of these responsibilities from the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine to the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine, and the possible establishment of a Ministry for Communities, Territories and Internally Displaced Persons of Ukraine.
We, the representatives of IDP Councils, strongly oppose transferring responsibility for internal displacement to ministries for which this area is not among their core priorities. We believe that such a decision disregards the previous experience of repeated changes in institutional responsibility for shaping and implementing state policy on internal displacement.
The continuous transfer of these responsibilities between different central executive authorities weakens the institutional capacity of the state, leads to the loss of accumulated expertise, undermines the continuity of state policy, and complicates the implementation of long-term solutions.
The challenges faced by internally displaced persons must not be overshadowed by the redistribution of government responsibilities. State policy on internal displacement requires a strong and dedicated government institution for which the protection of the rights of internally displaced persons and other people affected by the armed aggression against Ukraine is among its key priorities.
We believe that responsibility for shaping and coordinating state policy concerning internally displaced persons, as well as other people affected by the armed aggression against Ukraine, should remain within the mandate of a dedicated central executive authority for which this area is one of its primary responsibilities. Only under such conditions is it possible to ensure a coherent state policy, effective interagency coordination, and continuous protection of the rights of the affected population.
We are convinced that the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine should designate a single authorized body responsible for shaping and implementing state policy on the protection and support of all people affected by the armed aggression against Ukraine. At the same time, the existing mechanisms, including the development and implementation of policies on internal displacement and national unity, should remain within the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine.
It is this Ministry that has ensured the development and adoption of the State Policy Strategy on Internal Displacement until 2030, the approval of the Operational Action Plan for its implementation for 2026–2028, the launch of the “Dodomu” (“Home”) Platform, the establishment of the Coordination Council on Internal Displacement, and the implementation of measures aimed at maintaining ties with Ukrainian citizens abroad and supporting their voluntary return to Ukraine.
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.