Proposals from the Association of Frontline Cities and Communities
The Association of Frontline Cities and Communities has submitted its recommendations to Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers concerning the State Policy Strategy for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) through 2030. These proposals, drawn from the direct experience of communities hosting displaced people, outline a series of systemic solutions to improve living conditions for IDPs. The document is currently open for public consultation.
With over 4.6 million Ukrainians officially registered as internally displaced, the need for a coherent national strategy is urgent. The Association advocates for the creation of a unified support pathway for IDPs, which would include assigning a dedicated social manager to assist each individual. Key proposals also feature the development of a comprehensive integration model covering essential areas such as:
- Housing
- Employment
- Access to services
Suggested reforms to housing policy include a shift toward a systematic model that incorporates social rental schemes, housing funds, and new construction.
The Association also calls for adjustments to financial policy, notably the annual indexation of IDP payments. It proposes a special support regime for frontline territories, entailing increased funding and a direct subsidy for each relocated person. Furthermore, the plan involves strengthening housing instruments and creating employment incentives within frontline communities.
Currently, a person who has lost their home is forced to navigate a complex maze of different institutions alone—from applying for aid to finding housing and work. This is not a system but a collection of disjointed procedures. We propose building a holistic model centered on meeting a person's needs and expectations. A system where the state supports the displaced person from the moment of displacement through to full integration into a new community and a stable life.
Ihor Terekhov, Representative of the Association
The Association's recommendations are grounded in the practical experience of communities in the Kharkiv, Sumy, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv, Chernihiv, Poltava, and Odesa regions. Contributing municipalities include Kharkiv, Bohodukhiv, Kryvyi Rih, Sumy, Pervomaisk, Semenivka, Valky, Pisochyn, Poltava, Trostianets, Putyvl, Bakhmach, Koriukivka, Horodnia, and others. This broad participation underscores a comprehensive approach to solving IDP-related challenges and highlights the critical importance of community solidarity in such initiatives.
If adopted, these proposals could mark a significant step toward establishing an effective national support system for internally displaced persons in Ukraine. Aligning the actions of state structures with local communities, while accounting for the real needs of the displaced, can foster better integration and improved living conditions. The ongoing public discussion of these initiatives will be a vital stage in developing a strategy that incorporates the experience of local communities and addresses the needs of those forced to flee their homes.
As the Association of Frontline Cities and Communities outlines its proposals for supporting internally displaced persons, it's essential to consider the broader context of government initiatives. Recently, Ukraine's Ministry of Social Policy has also been working on a new strategy aimed at addressing the challenges faced by the 4.6 million IDPs. This coordinated approach could significantly enhance the effectiveness of support systems for those affected by displacement.