On June 23, the United Voices in Action initiative conducted a regional forum titled “Integration of IDPs in Ivano-Frankivska Oblast: Challenges, Responses, and the Function of the IDP Council” in Ivano-Frankivsk.

Attendees of the event, encompassing local authority representatives, civil society members, charitable organizations, and the IDPs themselves, discussed the key issues encountered by IDPs. They explored mechanisms for IDP assistance, along with strategies for the adaptation and integration of the oblast’s new inhabitants.

In the aftermath of the full-scale Russian invasion, 148,000 Ukrainians found sanctuary in Ivano-Frankivska Oblast. Hence, integrating IDPs into their new communities and providing necessary support from local authorities has become crucial.

Ivano-Frankivsk’s mayor, Ruslan Martsinkiv, stated that 41,000 IDPs had officially registered in the Ivano-Frankivsk community. Nonetheless, his estimates suggest the actual number might be lower, around 25,000 individuals.

“The paramount challenge we face today is the lack of housing. Some individuals are accommodated in schools or other unadapted facilities. However, we are making gradual progress in resolving this issue. We have already established one shelter, another is undergoing renovation, and two more are under construction,” explained Martsinkiv.

Serhiy Larionov, the coordinator of the United Voices in Action initiative, added that the core issues faced by IDPs remain the same, irrespective of the oblast.

“Housing and employment are of utmost concern. These are the matters that necessitate comprehensive solutions at every conceivable level. The IDP Councils are a crucial instrument for uniting IDPs, community representatives, and authorities.”

According to Vitaliy Svitlyk, the regional coordinator of the United Voices in Action initiative in Ivano-Frankivska Oblast, even one and a half years after the beginning of the full-scale war, IDPs feel somewhat alienated from their communities and require assistance in integration.

“Often, the authorities fail to comprehend the exact needs of IDPs, and the IDP Council is designed to facilitate interaction between them. At present, two communities in Ivano-Frankivska Oblast are in the process of forming IDP Councils, Kolomyia and Ivano-Frankivsk. In the Kolomyia community, the IDP Council is already functional, while in Ivano-Frankivsk, it’s still being established,” noted Svitlyk.

Liudmyla Sirko, the deputy head of the Ivano-Frankivska Oblast Military Administration, mentioned that approximately 500 IDP families expressed their desire to permanently reside in the oblast, but they need employment to stay.

“Indeed, the integration of IDPs into communities is exceedingly critical. Children should receive education in Ivano-Frankivska Oblast’s schools, preschoolers should attend kindergartens, and parents should have opportunities to find work or even establish businesses and generate employment. The challenges are numerous, but collectively, we will undoubtedly overcome them. After all, our power lies in unity,” stressed Sirko.

At the forum’s conclusion, the attendees endorsed a joint resolution to enhance cooperation in addressing the challenges that IDPs in Ivano-Frankivska Oblast encounter.

The event was held within the framework of the United Voices in Action program implemented by IREX in Ukraine, together with the Charity Foundation Stabilization Support Services and with the support of the U.S. Department of State.