On July 18, in Zhytomyr, experts of the “United Voices in Action” program, implemented by IREX together with the “Stabilization Support Services” charity foundation and supported by the U.S. Department of State, presented a large-scale study of local policies and programs that illustrates the observance of IDPs’ rights and their involvement in the life of new communities. 

In total, the lawyers reviewed 193 legal acts of 25 communities in 15 regions of Ukraine, including Zhytomyr. Due to the unclear definitions of “member of the territorial community” and “permanent residence,” IDPs are limited in their right to participate in local governance and are devoid of some social benefits.

“The study has shown that most of the regulatory documents at the local level need changes. We are talking about limited participation in local governance. There are also restrictions on the IDPs’ right to receive certain social services specified in local targeted programs,” says Svitlana Prokofieva, regional coordinator of the “United Voices in Action” program.

At the same time, Victoria Krasnopir, Head of the Social Policy Department of Zhytomyr City Council, noted that the community is doing everything possible to support IDPs. 

“There are some controversial points in the study, but there are also things we can agree on. I know that from the very first days at the community level, we have been doing everything for IDPs for Zhytomyr to become their home city. Respecting the work of hundreds of people — from the city council to volunteers — I will say that Zhytomyr is very friendly to those fleeing the war.”

The integration of IDPs and their children into the Zhytomyr community is easier with the measures included in the Comprehensive Social Protection Program of the Zhytomyr Territorial Community for 2021—2025. Viktoriia Krasnopir says that they constantly update the program per life demands. 

“In 2023, the funding for this program increased as new points were added to it. IDPs can use the program on par with residents. But only if they belong to the target categories of the program,” added Ms. Krasnopir. 

Zhytomyr has adopted more than 30 regulations on various types of social services for IDPs.

“Such services are provided by the city center of social services, the center of comprehensive rehabilitation for children with disabilities, and the city territorial center of social services,” said Olga Yurchenko, director of the city center of social services. “The most pressing issue, i.e. housing for IDPs, is being addressed according to the needs of each family. For example, free housing has already been provided to six IDP families with adopted children and families who have created family-type orphanages.

More than 13 thousand IDPs are officially registered in the Zhytomyr community. Among them is Nadiia Hnatovska from the Kherson region, who arrived in Zhytomyr in the fall of 2022. 

“Over the entire period of our relations with the community, local authorities, charitable foundations, and organizations, we have had only positive impressions,” says Nadiya, “That is, wherever we turned, we felt support. The locals were sympathetic and cooperative. I want to stay in the community and be useful to Zhytomyr. Therefore, after the creation of the IDP Council, we will interact with the local council and work together,” says Nadiya Hnatovska.

Currently, the Zhytomyr community has an initiative group to create an IDP Council, and the public organization of internally displaced people “Myr na Doloni” (“Peace on the Palm”), created by an IDP, is actively working. Internally displaced persons also work in local government and educational institutions.

At the same time, the researchers recommended local authorities improve policies and programs, considering the interests and rights of IDPs. 

In particular, the researchers propose to make appropriate changes to the community charter and to local targeted programs and regulations that determine the procedure for providing benefits and assistance to certain categories of the local population. 

In addition to the Zhytomyr region, the researchers will present the study results in 14 other regions where it was conducted and submit the generalized recommendations to the Ministry of Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories, other state authorities, and local governments.