The integration of internally displaced persons into new communities requires a comprehensive approach, in which housing is combined with employment opportunities, access to education and services, and the full participation of individuals in community life.

These issues were discussed during the open dialogue “Integration of IDPs through the development of community housing policy: Long-term solutions for sustainable development”. The discussion focused on the long-term integration of IDPs, housing solutions for communities, necessary legislative changes, and the pooling of resources from the state, communities, and international partners.

The event brought together representatives from the Government, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, local governments, the expert community, and civil society organisations. More than 200 communities joined the discussion online.

Vitalii Bezgin, Minister for Communities, Territories and Internally Displaced Persons of Ukraine, said that policy on IDPs currently remains fragmented. People face a difficult journey from evacuation to integration into a new community or return home, with challenges at every stage.

‘We should create a unified approach to supporting and integrating IDPs into communities, as well as a systematic model for the transition from temporary accommodation to permanent housing solutions. It is important that people can find accommodation, work, settle their children, and become full members of the community. Therefore, rather than constantly increasing the number of places in temporary accommodation centres, we need to inventory the housing stock, understand what housing resources are available in communities, and ensure they are used as effectively as possible,’ emphasised Vitalii Bezgin.

In parallel, the Ministry is working to seek additional sources of funding, in particular by engaging resources from international partners.

During the discussion, the participants also discussed how communities can develop their own housing policies, manage the housing stock, and integrate housing solutions with local development. Particular attention was paid to legislative changes, financial mechanisms and opportunities to pool resources from the state, communities, and international partners.

Practical issues included access for IDPs not only to housing but also to social services, education, and employment, as well as solutions that already work and can be scaled up.

‘We are currently working on the creation of an international Social Housing Coalition, which will, amongst other things, address housing issues for IDPs and liaise with international partners. This issue can only be resolved systematically through joint efforts by the state, Parliament, communities, and partners,’ noted Vitalii Bezgin.

The open dialogue initiative “Integration of IDPs through the development of community housing policy: long-term solutions for sustainable development” is implemented by the All-Ukrainian Association of Amalgamated Territorial Communities in partnership with the UNICEF Office in Ukraine, the Ukrainian Crisis Media Centre and the Decentralisation portal.

This event has been organised with financial support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) via the state development bank KfW. The content of this material is the sole responsibility of the All-Ukrainian Association of Amalgamated Territorial Communities and does not necessarily reflect the views of the German Government and/or UNICEF.