The idea of uniting IDP Councils into a single network emerged within the team of the Charity Foundation “Stabilization Support Services” in 2019, alongside the development of the very concept of the Councils. The issue of coordination and support became particularly pressing in 2023, following the adoption of the Model Regulation on IDP Councils.
Working with displaced persons, the Charity Foundation “Stabilization Support Services” focuses on strengthening the capacity of established IDP Councils. At the same time, it is essential to establish close cooperation and coordination between the Councils and all stakeholders to influence the formation and implementation of state and regional policies in the field of protecting IDP rights, as well as to develop effective solutions for their adaptation and integration.
To address these challenges, in 2023 the CO “SSS” team initiated the creation of the Congress of IDP Councils, bringing together Councils from across Ukraine. Its mission is to enhance their ability to advocate for their rights and interests at the national level, as well as to support the efforts of all stakeholders. This idea was presented at the All-Ukrainian IDP Council Forum held on 1–3 November 2023 in Kyiv.
Throughout 2024, at the initiative of the CO “SSS” team, a series of discussions and consultations were held, resulting in the proposal to establish a public organization as the most effective operational format for such an association. This proposal was broadly supported by the Ministry for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine and the UN Refugee Agency in Ukraine (UNHCR).
As a result of these consultations, discussions, and debates, it became clear to all participants that it was important to have a transparent mechanism for engaging members in the coordination body and ensuring balanced representation from all regions. At the same time, the coordination body should not evolve into an overly large structure with complex communication.
Research has shown that representatives of IDP Councils have no objections to the creation of a nationwide coordination body for IDP Councils. Members of the IDP Councils see in such an organization the potential to strengthen the effectiveness of the Councils’ work, provide opportunities for personal growth, increase motivation, and foster greater engagement of local self-government representatives.
Support for IDP Councils is provided by the Charitable Organization “Charity Foundation “Stabilization Support Services” with the financial support of the UN Refugee Agency in Ukraine (UNHCR).
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.
