In Dnipro, experts of the United Voices in Action initiative, implemented by the international organization IREX in partnership with the Charity Foundation Stabilization Support Services and backed by the U.S. Department of State, showcased a large-scale study of local policies and programs. This study casts light on how IDPs’ rights are respected and their integration into the life of their new communities.

The legal experts involved meticulously examined 193 local regulations from 25 communities across 15 oblasts in Ukraine. The experts paid particular attention to Dniprovska, Kryvorizka, and Kamianska communities. It has been found that IDPs are restricted in their right to participate in local decision-making and are not entitled to certain social benefits. This is due to gaps in the community statute, regulations, and local targeted programs that define the concept of a “registered place of residence.” This was stated by Oksana Krupiy, regional coordinator of the United Voices in Action program in Dnipropetrovska Oblast.

“Most statutes do not provide for IDPs to belong to the territorial communities where they actually reside. That is, IDPs cannot participate in general meetings, public hearings, vote on participatory budget projects, or use other tools of local democracy. They are also not covered by local targeted programs aimed at supporting community members,” said Olena Demyanenko, the regional lawyer with the United Voices in Action program in Dnipropetrovska Oblast. 

Today, more than 180,000 IDPs are registered in Dnipro alone, and the city is among the top three in terms of the number of IDPs. 

More than a thousand IDPs are receiving social services, said Olha Meshko, director of the Dnipro City Territorial Center for Social Services. These services mainly include support for pensioners and people with disabilities. They receive domestic care, social adaptation, day care, and in-kind assistance. 

“We do not differentiate between local residents of Dnipro and internally displaced persons. Anyone who is legally entitled to use targeted social support programs can receive these services,” emphasized Olha Meshko. 

There is no separate program to support IDPs in the Dniprovska and Kryvorizka communities. Local government representatives say that existing measures cover the needs of IDPs as well. Instead, the Kamianska community has one program specifically aimed at IDPs.

Kateryna Nedostup, the Regional Coordinator for Public Relations of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights in Dnipropetrovska Oblast, also joined the presentation of the study. She unveiled the results of monitoring visits to Collective Centers (CCs) of IDPs.

“Since April, we have made approximately 60 visits to the CCs. We examine the living conditions there: the condition of the beds, plumbing, whether there is hot water, etc. After the visits, we send reports to the Commissioner, donors, and local and national authorities. In addition, we inform people where and how to apply in case of violation of their rights and give them information leaflets. After our visits, we see positive changes, for example, renovation of housing,” said Kateryna Nedostup. 

IDPs in Kryvirizka and Kamianska communities have more opportunities to participate in community life: there are Coordination Councils for Internally Displaced Persons (IDP Councils) operating under local authorities. In Dnipro, there are plans to create such a body.

The researchers did not just outline problems. They have developed recommendations for local authorities to increase consideration of the interests and rights of IDPs. Specifically, to make appropriate amendments to the community statute, local targeted programs, and regulations that define the procedure for providing benefits and assistance to certain categories of the population.

Beyond Dnipropetrovska Oblast, these findings will be presented in the 14 other studied oblasts. The United Voices in Action program will send a summary of the recommendations to the Ministry of Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories and other relevant national and local authorities.