Following the First All-Ukrainian IDP Council Forum, the leaders of the Councils began to speak openly about the need for a coordination platform that would not duplicate state functions but instead emerge as the result of an initiative from the communities themselves. Coordination, they stressed, should not be provided by an external body, but by a platform arising from within, one that would serve as a space for self-organization, exchange of experience, training, and joint action.
In the summer of 2024, the team of the Charitable Foundation “Stabilization Support Services” initiated consultations with representatives of IDP Councils, local self-government bodies, and non-governmental organizations from various regions. These discussions revealed that what they lacked was not only coordination but also a reliable support network, training opportunities, and avenues for advocacy and representation at both regional and national levels. This marked the beginning of documenting the groundwork for the creation of the Congress of IDP Councils.
The primary goal of the Congress is to unite IDP Council leaders from across Ukraine to work together on strengthening communities, improving living conditions for IDPs, implementing advocacy campaigns, and developing local policies that are responsive to the needs of displaced persons.
One of the key topics of discussion has been the legal status of the Congress. Should it be registered as a legal entity? How can decision-making be made transparent? How should the governing bodies be elected? Should each Council have an equal vote, or should a quota system be introduced?
These questions remain open, but the foundation for resolving them is already being laid: consultations are ongoing, draft founding documents are being prepared, and the experience of other civic associations is being analyzed.
Another critically important issue is where to find the resources for its work. Most Councils operate on a voluntary basis and face challenges such as overwork, staff shortages, and limited access to funding. At this stage, significant support is provided by civic organizations and charitable foundations.
In particular, Stabilization Support Services engages international partners to ensure the functioning of IDP Councils: supporting strategic sessions, developing methodological materials, creating training programs for youth and adults, running information campaigns, conducting research on local policies, and developing the IDP Councils Portal, among other activities.
Thanks to this support, a shared body of expertise is being developed, enabling not only the strengthening of individual Councils but also the creation of long-term mechanisms for cooperation — the very foundation on which the Congress is being built.
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.
