Supporting Elderly Internally Displaced Persons
The Association of Frontline Cities and Communities is urging the national government to implement a unified support pathway for elderly internally displaced persons (IDPs). This call was made by the Association's Chairman and Mayor of Kharkiv, Ihor Terekhov, who stressed the critical need for a comprehensive assistance mechanism for this vulnerable demographic. The proposed system would involve an initial needs assessment, help with finding housing, and ensuring access to medical care and social services. This initiative highlights the unique challenges faced by older Ukrainians who have been forced to flee their homes due to the ongoing conflict.
Key Support Components
The proposed support framework for elderly IDPs includes several key elements:
- Adapted housing,
- Mobile multidisciplinary support teams,
- Day centers,
- Social adaptation programs,
- Targeted personal assistance.
“Elderly internally displaced persons require a specialized approach. For them, it is essential to develop adapted housing, mobile multidisciplinary teams, day centers, social adaptation, and targeted personal assistance.”
Ihor Terekhov
Separately, in a security context, Russian military command is seeking to establish a sanitary zone along the Ukrainian border. The objective of this zone is to advance up to 20 kilometers into the Sumy and Kharkiv regions. This initiative has raised significant concerns among the local population, as it could have serious implications for the safety and stability of the area.
Overall, the Association's proposal underscores the necessity for a systematic national approach to supporting elderly IDPs in Ukraine, even as the security situation remains complex. The suggested integration measures, such as day centers and social clubs, could become vital components in helping this group adapt to their new circumstances. Implementing such support is a crucial step toward safeguarding the rights and well-being of a population that often faces profound physical and social barriers.