“Sustainable and quality reconstruction: participation of Councils of Internally Displaced Persons in recovery processes”
Pledging Entity:
Charitable organization “Charity Foundation ”Stabilization Support Services”
Context/Rationale:
More than ten years of war in Ukraine have created an unprecedented scale of internal displacement. Today, IDPs are not just a group in need of assistance. They are a large part of the population that has become a driving force for local change, initiating new social programs and services, policies, and decisions.
There are almost 1,000 Internally Displaced Persons Councils in Ukraine — officially recognized advisory bodies to government authorities. They represent the voice of displaced persons, help analyze needs, and work with local authorities to implement solutions that improve life in communities.
Our position and commitment:
We are committed to promoting the systematic involvement of IDP Councils in:
- Planning,
- Developing,
- Implementing,
- and monitoring projects, programs, and decisions aimed at IDPs, returnees, and communities hosting displaced persons.
We are committed to doing everything in our power, as representatives of Ukrainian civil society, to ensure the effective participation of IDP councils in the planning, development, and implementation of projects for displaced persons: both those involving humanitarian and charitable assistance, and those related to recovery, development, and the provision of assistance.
We are convinced that quality decisions are impossible without taking into account the interests of the people they affect. The participation of IDPs and IDP Councils is not a formality, but a tool that improves the effectiveness of programs and reduces the risks of misuse of resources. It is also a mechanism for strengthening social cohesion, trust, and community resilience.
Who benefits from this?
- Internally displaced persons and IDP councils.
- Residents of communities affected by the war.
- People returning to Ukraine from abroad.
- Local authorities, which receive better data, analysis, and partners for decision-making.
- Donor organizations seeking transparency, accountability to affected populations, and measurable impact.
What we will do:
1. Regular consultations and discussions
We will ensure regular dialogue between IDP Councils and organizations implementing humanitarian, development, and reconstruction and recovery projects.
2. Collecting and sharing feedback
We will work to systematically collect the positions of IDP Councils on key strategic decisions and share this analysis with governments, donors, researchers, and international organizations.
3. Mobilizing resources for community capacity building
We are seeking funding to implement IDP Council proposals, support local initiatives, and develop human capacity.
4. Training and strengthening IDP Councils
We will conduct training on project management, budgeting, monitoring, advocacy, and communications.
5. Monitoring the impact of decisions
We will monitor how the recommendations of IDP Councils affect project outcomes, local programs, and the quality of services at the community level.
This is in line with modern approaches to community-based protection.
Alignment with International Frameworks:
- Global Compact on Refugees (paras. 7, 33, 70) – whole-of-society engagement, durable solutions, and inclusion of displaced populations.
- UN Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement (Principle 28) – participation of IDPs in decisions affecting their future.
- Strategic recommendations from the IDP Councils Roundtable URC 2025.
- Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP).
Why is this important?
Ukraine is developing an unprecedented model for the participation of war victims in the restoration of the state. This is our chance to create mechanisms that will remain in place after the war ends:
- transparent governance practices,
- sustainable local institutions,
- trust between the government and the people,
- real participation in decision-making,
- accountability in reconstruction and investment.
The Declaration is a concrete tool for cooperation between donors, governments, and communities.
How to support the initiative?
Please add your signature using the form.