A meeting of the Council on Internally Displaced Persons under the Zakarpattia Oblast Military Administration took place in Uzhhorod. During the meeting, the Council presented the results of its work over the previous two-year period and approved its new composition.
The results of the Council’s activities for 2023–2025 were presented by its first head, Natalia Kryvoruchko, Head of the Zakarpattia Regional Branch of the SOS Children’s Villages Charity Foundation. As part of implementing the Council’s Development Strategy for 2024–2025, more than 200 visits to temporary accommodation sites were conducted, along with 65 outreach meetings with IDPs, and approximately 1,500 individual needs assessments. In total, over UAH 1 million in funding from non-governmental partner organizations was mobilized to support the Strategy’s implementation.
During the meeting, the Council elected its new leadership.
Angela Babkina, Regional Coordinator of the Charity Foundation Stabilization Support Services in Zakarpattia Oblast, was elected Chair of the Council.
“From my perspective, it is critically important to update the development strategy of our Council. A significant share of its members have joined for the first time, and their vision of priorities for the next two years is extremely valuable. This is why we are planning to hold a strategic session in the near future.
It is also advisable to activate the Council’s working groups so that members can apply their expertise in the areas where they are most competent. The effectiveness of the Council over the next two-year term will depend on the joint efforts of the entire team,” Angela Babkina shared regarding the Council’s future plans.
She also noted that the participation of representatives from IDP councils at the community level across Zakarpattia is particularly important. This creates an opportunity to better focus on the needs of local IDP councils, making them more active, effective, and capable. In particular, there are plans to further develop the practice of producing methodological recommendations.
She further emphasized that attention will be given to launching off-site meetings of the regional Council in remote communities. Advocacy also remains one of the key priorities — ensuring the rights of IDPs at the regional level through relevant programs.
The new Development Strategy of the Council for the next two years is expected to be approved in May.
The Council on Internally Displaced Persons under the Zakarpattia Oblast Military Administration has been operating since September 2023 and is considered one of the most active in Ukraine. Its key tasks include supporting internally displaced persons with employment, facilitating access to social, psychological, and legal assistance, as well as coordinating cooperation with authorities, communities, and partners to address urgent needs and promote integration.
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.