Since the beginning of the full-scale war in Ukraine, Kyiv has become a refuge for hundreds of thousands of internally displaced people. According to a survey conducted by the Rokada Charitable Foundation in cooperation with the Department of Social and Veteran Policy of the Kyiv City State Administration, more than 87% of IDPs surveyed plan to stay in the capital. This shows that Kyiv is successfully integrating IDPs and creating conditions for their new life. However, despite significant efforts by the city authorities, Kyiv faces a number of challenges related to housing, employment and other social services for IDPs.
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Who are the internally displaced persons in Kyiv?
The majority of IDPs who came to Kyiv are people of working age between 18 and 60 years old (75%). The geography of displacement shows that most people came from Donetsk (52%), Kherson (21%) and Luhansk (13%) regions. These are people who were forced to leave their homes due to the fighting and are seeking safety and stability in the capital.
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Key needs and challenges
Although Kyiv provides significant support to IDPs, IDPs face a number of challenges.
- Financial difficulties: Most IDPs face financial hardship. 34 per cent have to save money on food, and 33 per cent have money only for the most basic necessities.
- Problems with employment: Only 64 per cent of IDPs have a job, and one in ten has been rejected because of their status.
- Housing crisis: 82 per cent of IDPs rent housing, which is a significant financial burden for most families. The total housing waiting list in the capital has reached 70,000 families.
- Lack of information: Many IDPs are unaware of all the opportunities available to them in Kyiv, which makes their adaptation difficult.
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Ways to solve problems
One of the most important steps to improve the lives of internally displaced persons in Kyiv are to expand the housing stock. This involves the development and implementation of programmes to build or adapt housing specifically designed for IDPs. This approach will provide stable and decent housing for thousands of families who have been forced to leave their homes.
At the same time, it is necessary to actively work on strengthening the information campaign. IDPs should be informed about their rights, opportunities and available social services. This will help them to better navigate the new environment and take advantage of all available resources.
NGOs play a significant role in addressing the problems of IDPs. Involvement of these structures in providing assistance will allow for a more effective and personalised response to the needs of each individual family. NGOs have a deep understanding of the situation of IDPs and can provide them with the necessary support in various areas of life.
In addition, the international community needs to be engaged to address the large-scale humanitarian crisis caused by the war. International assistance, both financial and technical, will help speed up the process of reconstruction and rehabilitation, as well as ensure stable funding for social programmes for IDPs.
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