The United Voices in Action program supported the establishment of new IDP councils in Chervonohrad (Lvivska Oblast) and Kamianets-Podilskyi (Khmelnytska Oblast). These advisory bodies operate under local governments and will help protect the rights and meet the needs of internally displaced people.

On January 31, 2023, the IDP Council was established in Kamianets-Podilskyi, with unique features that include coordinating not only the work of public organizations advocating for displaced persons’ rights but also that of volunteers. Serhiy Yatskovskyi, the regional coordinator of the United Voices in Action program in the Khmelnytska Oblast, explained that the city council recognized the need for a single authority to unite human rights and volunteer organizations that currently provide various functions and humanitarian assistance to more than just IDPs. The advisory council is headed by the city mayor.

The council has already developed a work plan and held several meetings, with its current main focus on humanitarian response. The council is also set to be established soon in the city of Khmelnytskyi, with its coordination led by Serhiy Yatskovskyi.

On March 14, the Advisory Council for the Protection of the Rights of Internally Displaced Persons of the Chervonohrad community was established after the persistent efforts of the local initiative group and Oksana Yakovets, the coordinator of the United Voices in Action program in the Lvivska Oblast. Despite initial reluctance from local authorities, civil society representatives were able to demonstrate the usefulness of such a body in developing proposals and providing practical assistance to IDPs.

Recently, the council held an introductory meeting with the mayor, where members including NGOs, IDPs, relocated businesses, and civic activists were present. Volodymyr Koval, Deputy Mayor for Executive Bodies, chairs the council. The regional team of United Voices in Action will provide the council with methodological and informational assistance and plans to hold a strategic session, develop an operational plan, and discuss prospects for the coming year.

Recently, an IDP council has been established in Cherkasy as well. The Coordination Council for Ensuring the Rights and Guarantees of Internally Displaced Persons is led by Maryna Harkava, Deputy Mayor for Executive Bodies. The regional team of the United Voices in Action program in the Cherkaska Oblast has been working closely with her since the beginning of the war. Larysa Khodakovska, the regional coordinator of the United Voices in Action program the Cherkaska Oblast, has established cooperation with the newly formed council and will attend its meetings.

Larysa Khodakovska

It is great that the council has been established because a lot of work needs to be done to support IDPs. People in Cherkasy have been aware of the United Voices in Action program for a long time, and our information materials were placed on stands in the city council. Therefore, we continue to support IDPs in collaboration with the newly created council. We are looking forward to the establishment of an IDP council in Uman soon.