By increasing the capacity of local governments to integrate internally displaced persons (IDPs), PLEDDG Project will assist its partner cities with social and economic adaptation of IDPs. According to the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine, by the end of February 2016 there had been as many as 1,735,000 IDPs in Ukraine. In order to address the needs of IDPs and minimize the negative implications of their integration into host communities, a research study targeting 4 Ukrainian regions (Vinnytsia, Zaporizhia, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Poltava Oblasts) was carried out. The local characteristics of each region were considered, and, based on the analysis of the socioeconomic situation of each targeted region, practical recommendations for improving the social and economic integration of IDPs were made.
To present the results of the study, a round table discussion on “Social and Economic Adaptation of IDPs: Problems and Prospects” was held in Poltava on May 25, 2016. Apart from PLEDDG experts, about 30 representatives of local authorities, business community, NGOs, international technical assistance projects, media and IDPs associations took part in the event.
Valeriy Kokot, PLEDDG Senior Expert in Business Development, told the participants that one of the PLEDDG priorities was assisting its partner cities with social and economic adaptation of IDPs, with special focus on youth and women.
Valentyna Smal, PLEDDG Consultant, presented the study results and practical recommendations for the successful integration of IDPs into host communities.
Following the round table in Poltava, PLEDDG experts and consultants will be working on fine-tuning their study on IDPs. Once published, the study may be used for development of action plans and strategies by public authorities, international technical assistance programs, NGOs, charitable organizations, associations of IDPs, etc.
Video by Ltava TV Channel
