On April 7, 2023, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved the Strategy of State Policy on Internal Displacement until 2025 and respective Operational Plan for 2023-2025.

It was reported by the Ministry for  Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine.

• The document was elaborated by the Ministry for Reintegration with the support of the Council of Europe*. Experts from international and civil society organisations acting in the field of human rights protection of internally displaced persons (IDPs) also contributed to its development.

The Strategy is adopted by the State in response to the challenges of massive displacement of the population caused by the full-scale aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. It foresees actions to provide state support for IDPs at all stages of displacement – starting from evacuation, during the process of social adaptation and integration at the new place, to the moment of return to home community.

Thus, the State will focus on 5 strategic goals:

1. The State response to the challenges of internal displacement.
2. Safe evacuation from the dangerous areas and addressing the humanitarian needs of displaced people.
3. Adaptation of IDPs at their new place of residence.
4. Integration and enhancement of IDPs in host communities.
5. Support for safe return to home communities and reintegration.

"The State policy on internal displacement shall be comprehensive. At the time being, the focus should be on the adaptation and further integration of IDPs in host communities. It includes access to educational services, labor market, and support for self-employment. A provision of professional psychological aid is also important. We appreciate a support of the Council of Europe and civil society organisations contributed to the development of the Strategy. From now on, we have a clear vision of how to respond to the challenges of internal displacement" – Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk emphasised.

*Since 2015, the Council of Europe, within the framework of the Action Plans, has been supporting Ukraine in addressing the needs of IDPs, notably, through the implementation of technical cooperation actions. The projects aimed at strengthening the capacities of IDPs, policymakers, national, and local authorities, and communities to foster improvement of the human rights protection and access to justice for IDPs in Ukraine in line with Council of Europe standards.

Find more on the Council of Europe projects on strengthening the human rights protection for IDPs in Ukraine and their outputs and results by clicking on the link.