Internally Displaced Persons Support Program: New Initiatives from the Ukrainian Government

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has set a strict deadline for the government to create a "people-friendly" program to support internally displaced persons (IDPs). In his evening address, the head of state stressed the need for a quick and effective initiative that would provide not only temporary housing, but also a stable future for millions of Ukrainians who have experienced forced displacement.

The presidential address paid special attention to cooperation with international partners, in particular the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), which has already expressed its readiness to provide significant resources to address the housing needs of IDPs.

According to Olena Shulyak, the head of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on the Organization of State Power, the situation with housing for internally displaced persons remains critical. She emphasized that existing programs, such as "eReconstruction" and "eShelter", do not provide sufficient support, as their conditions are unfriendly to many who have lost everything due to the conflict.

Shulyak also stressed the need for significant changes in the state mortgage program "eHousing" to make it accessible and effective for IDPs. She expressed support for the expansion of the "eReconstruction" program to temporarily occupied territories, which will facilitate the conditions for receiving compensation and housing reconstruction.

The government now aims to respond quickly to the challenges related to the housing needs of IDPs and is considering various options for improving integration and support programs. The head of the "Servant of the People" party expressed confidence that with the necessary mechanisms and support from the government, Ukraine will be able to respond to the challenges associated with the military conflict and provide decent conditions for all citizens who have suffered from displacement.