The Kherson Community Foundation ‘Zakhyst’ has published the final analytical report covering public sentiment in the Kherson city community in 2023-2024.
The study, conducted from July 2023 to September 2024, included 32 sociological surveys conducted by experts from the Kherson Regional Branch of the Sociological Association of Ukraine and New Image Marketing Group.
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One of the key findings was the unity of Kherson residents, despite the fact that more than two-thirds of the population has left the city. Residents continue to consume the same information content, visit the same social networks and websites, and hold similar views on various issues. The differences in responses between those who stayed and those who left were minor and concerned only certain aspects. The majority of IDPs expressed their readiness to return to Kherson after the security situation stabilises.
At the same time, the study recorded the emergence of centrifugal tendencies. Some IDPs have successfully adapted to their new places of residence, improved their social status and income, which reduces their motivation to return. Over time, these migration processes may become irreversible, as the experience of other conflicts shows that a significant proportion of migrants do not return, even if they initially planned to do so.
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In addition, according to the report, Kherson residents face such problems as difficulties with employment (56%), unfair distribution of humanitarian aid (45%) and stray animals (43%).
The emotional and mental state of residents is deteriorating, and the economic situation has suffered a significant decline: 73% of respondents reported a decrease in income. Nevertheless, the level of trust in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, rescuers and volunteers remains high, with over 90% of respondents expressing support for them.
The report also highlights that the priorities for community recovery are to rebuild destroyed property (57%), bring collaborators to justice (58%), and encourage people to return to the community (42%). However, the number of those planning to return is decreasing: from 29% in July 2023 to 10% in September 2024.
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