New law on IDPs: what changes to expect for displaced persons

The Verkhovna Rada has approved a new law that defines the basic principles of state policy regarding internally displaced persons. The document changes the approach to supporting displaced persons, introduces new guarantees, an electronic cabinet for IDPs, and additional housing mechanisms. This is reported by the press service of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.

New law on IDPs: what guarantees will displaced persons receive

Parliament supported draft law No. 12301, which will replace the existing Law of Ukraine on “Ensuring the Rights and Freedoms of Internally Displaced Persons” after it comes into effect.

The document defines state policy regarding IDPs at all stages of displacement, including adaptation, integration into a new community, voluntary return, and subsequent reintegration.

One of the key innovations is guarantees for pension provision. The law explicitly states that no additional requirements or special procedures can be imposed on displaced persons during the appointment, payment, recalculation, or transfer of pensions. They must receive pension services under general conditions.

Electronic cabinet for IDPs and new housing guarantees

The law also provides for the creation of an electronic cabinet for internally displaced persons. Through it, they plan to assess the needs of displaced persons, their level of provision, and integration in their new place of residence.

A separate section of the document is dedicated to housing issues. In particular, it provides for:

• expansion of state programs to support housing rights of IDPs;
• regulation of the status of temporary residence places;
• the possibility of indefinite residence for certain categories of displaced persons in temporary housing during wartime or a state of emergency, and for six months after its conclusion.

Official temporary residence places may include modular towns, dormitories, hotels, and other habitable premises.

What else does the law provide for IDPs

The document also defines the powers of the central executive authority responsible for the formation and implementation of state policy regarding internally displaced persons.

It is noted in the Verkhovna Rada that the new law aims to ensure the stability of the support system for displaced persons regardless of staff or organizational changes in the government.

Earlier, the Cabinet of Ministers already approved a Strategy for State Policy on Internal Displacement until 2030. It provides for comprehensive support for IDPs from the moment of relocation to integration or voluntary return home, while the new law creates a legislative basis for the implementation of these approaches.

Recall that the government has restored housing assistance payments for children of IDPs.