Ihor Terekhov Visits Modular Town for Displaced Persons
Ihor Terekhov, Head of the Association of Frontline Cities and Communities, visited a modular town for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Lviv, which currently houses 954 people. During a meeting with residents, he discussed the challenges of their return and integration into new communities. This visit highlights the ongoing national effort to address one of the largest internal displacement crises in Europe.
Demographics of the Modular Town's Residents
The IDPs living in the modular town arrived from various regions across Ukraine, including:
- Donetsk
- Luhansk
- Kharkiv
- Zaporizhzhia
- Kherson
- Mykolaiv
- Dnipropetrovsk oblasts
One-third of the residents are elderly, and the community also includes 16 large families and 25 single mothers. The Association of Frontline Cities and Communities is actively working to reform the system of support for IDPs.
“I’ve just been speaking with people: some are from Kharkiv, some from Kherson, some from Zaporizhzhia. I understand perfectly well that no matter how nicely things are arranged for you here, your heart aches for home. I will do everything in my power so that all of you can return.”
Ihor Terekhov
He emphasized that three fundamental conditions must be met for a normal life: safety, access to schools and jobs, and housing. 'This is the foundation of a normal life. The state's task is to provide maximum assistance: to ensure a roof over one's head, to integrate people into the labor market, to give them the opportunity to start businesses and become part of the economy of the communities where they live,' Terekhov noted.
He also expressed hope that IDP status would not be permanent. 'I very much want this IDP status to last for about five years. And within those five years, the state, together with municipalities, must ensure that there are no more forced migrants. So that people can acquire housing, so that this IDP status is not for life,' stressed the Head of the Association.
Terekhov's visit underscores the critical importance of supporting IDPs in Ukraine, especially amid the protracted humanitarian crisis. The discussions on return and integration reflect a governmental commitment to creating favorable conditions for rebuilding normal lives for those who have lost their homes. Focusing on safety, education, and employment are vital steps for helping displaced people adapt to new circumstances.
As the situation for internally displaced persons continues to evolve, the need for a comprehensive support framework becomes increasingly evident. In a related effort, the Mayor of Kharkiv has proposed a unified national strategy aimed at enhancing the support for those affected by displacement. This initiative underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in ensuring that IDPs not only find temporary refuge but also have a clear path to reintegration and stability in their home communities.