Results of the first survey on protection of internally displaced persons in Ukraine presented

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Ukraine, together with the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, presented the first national report "Protection Monitoring Survey in Ukraine" on internally displaced persons (IDPs) and those returning from displacement. The event was attended by representatives of government authorities, international partners and civil society organizations.

The report's authors emphasize that the survey aims to provide comprehensive analysis of IDPs' and returnees' access to rights and services, support the principle of "leaving no one behind" in the country's recovery, and prepare an evidence base for sustainable solutions in population displacement.

Opening remarks were delivered by Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets and Nina Maya Shrepler, UNHCR Deputy Representative for Protection. They stressed the critical importance of ensuring rights and freedoms of the population amid ongoing armed aggression against Ukraine.

"Our priority is to simplify procedures as much as possible so that internally displaced persons receive support quickly and without unnecessary bureaucracy. We will systematically engage civil society expertise and best practices from regions, because targeting is key: every hryvnia of state support should 'follow the person' and address their actual needs," noted Inna Solodka, Deputy Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine.

Key survey findings:

• 83% of respondents reported freely moving across the country; only 15% faced certain barriers, meaning the vast majority have access to necessary routes and services.
• Families mostly remain together. 55% of respondents had not experienced separation from loved ones. 38% were forcibly separated from relatives; main reasons being internal displacement (62%) and moving abroad (15%).
• 84% of renters or those living with relatives/IDP centers consider their housing rights sufficiently guaranteed; only about 2% of respondents feel real risk of eviction.
• 80% of homeowners have complete property documentation, facilitating access to compensation and recovery programs.
• Most respondents own homes in Ukraine. 79% have a house or apartment.
• Over a quarter of IDPs (28%) support themselves through employment. Dependence on state social assistance, including pensions, is high at 63%, while 10% rely on state social services.
• 69% report negative impact on mental health, with 1 in 12 (8%) already feeling "unable to cope" with daily stress. 55% don't feel safe due to war.
• Only 7% of IDPs plan to return to permanent residences within the next six months; the average age of this group is 57.

The Ministry of Social Policy is building a multi-level IDP support system covering financial, housing, social and integration components.

On January 29, 2025, a housing rental subsidy was launched: the state covers costs exceeding 20% of family income. Average subsidy is UAH 5,332, with UAH 1,833 compensation to landlords. 76 families have already received subsidies.

Social services are expanding under the "money follows the person" principle. A supported living pilot project now involves 26 providers assisting 170 elderly and disabled persons.

Together with civil society, a "IDP Pathway: From Evacuation to Integration" concept is being developed - a roadmap for assistance from departure to full adaptation or return, with clear division of roles between authorities and communities.

The Ministry is simultaneously modernizing the IDP Registry to accurately track needs and integrating interagency databases. This creates a comprehensive support chain - from emergency financial aid to employment incentives, education and sustainable housing solutions, enabling displaced persons to rebuild normal lives and contribute to community development.

The Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity welcomes the report's recommendations, particularly the call to accelerate development of a new State Strategy on Internal Displacement and improve mechanisms for long-term solutions in housing, social and economic spheres. The findings will inform preparation of the Ministry's updated 2026 action plan aimed at expanding integration programs and enhancing social protection for IDPs.

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