Ministry of Social Policy and UNHCR strengthen cooperation to support IDPs and Ukrainians returning from abroad

Denys Uliutin, Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine, met with Bernadette Castel-Hollingworth, UNHCR Representative in Ukraine. The parties discussed the implementation of the State Policy Strategy on Internal Displacement, the expansion of housing programs for internally displaced persons (IDPs), and support for Ukrainians returning from abroad.

One of the key topics was housing for IDPs who have been living in temporary accommodation centers for prolonged periods. The discussion focused on the need to expand sustainable housing solutions that would enable people to transition to independent living and fully integrate into communities.

“For us, it is important not merely to place a person in a temporary accommodation center, but to help them find a sustainable solution. This means independent housing, access to social services, employment opportunities, and full inclusion in community life. State and international partners’ resources must be brought together around such solutions,” Denys Uliutin noted.

The parties also discussed an experimental project to provide housing for IDPs in rural areas, coordinated by the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity. The project enables communities to purchase housing with state subsidies for the temporary accommodation of displaced persons. UNHCR confirmed its readiness to contribute to the project’s implementation and to mobilize additional resources for its expansion.

The meeting also addressed support for Ukrainians abroad who are considering returning to Ukraine. As the UNHCR Representative noted, citizens’ most frequent requests concern practical information and legal issues related to leaving their country of residence and returning to Ukraine.

To provide this assistance, UNHCR is developing a network of return counseling services. The parties discussed expanding their cooperation, including through the new Unity Hubs that will be opened across Europe. UNHCR already provides such counseling at Unity Hub Berlin. Its specialists offer guidance on practical living conditions in Ukraine, available assistance programs and reintegration mechanisms, and refer people to relevant professionals.

The parties also plan to strengthen cooperation between the “Dodomu” information platform and UNHCR’s “Ukraine is Home” platform, so that as many citizens as possible can access reliable online information about returning to Ukraine and available support.

They also discussed assistance for vulnerable Ukrainians who have already decided to return. Support for them should begin before they leave their country of residence. Pre-registration will make it possible to identify the border crossing point, travel route and final destination in advance, as well as arrange the necessary transport, financial and social assistance upon their arrival in Ukraine.

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