The reception and integration of internally displaced persons in Ukraine remains one of the most pressing social challenges, as a large number of citizens were forced to leave their homes due to the war, lost their housing and stable sources of income. The issue of providing housing, employment, access to education and medical services requires a systemic approach. At the same time, city and state initiatives play a key role in creating conditions for the adaptation of displaced persons. Against this background, the mayor of Kharkiv proposed to establish a state-level celebration of the Day of IDPs.
Ihor Terekhov’s proposal
The mayor of Kharkiv and head of the Association of Frontline Cities and Communities, Ihor Terekhov proposed to initiate the establishment of the Day of IDPs at the state level, to be celebrated on February 25. According to Terekhov, this date symbolizes the beginning of the mass forced resettlement of citizens from zones of active hostilities.
The proposal provides that this day will serve as a reminder to the state and local authorities of the need to provide displaced persons with housing, work and conditions for a normal life, after which the IDP status can be gradually lifted.
Terekhov noted that the celebration of IDP Day should not turn into a formality, but should perform a specific function: over several years, help people complete the integration process, provide the necessary resources and create conditions for independent living without depending on the status of an IDP.
Meeting with IDPs and current problems
The mayor’s proposal was voiced during a meeting with residents of one of the Kharkiv hostels, where internally displaced persons from Kharkiv, Donetsk and Luhansk regions live. Citizens asked questions about housing, payment for utilities, employment and educational conditions for children.
Particular attention was drawn to the situations with payments for houses located in the zone of active hostilities, where the displaced persons do not actually live, as well as other domestic and social difficulties after moving to Kharkiv.
Ihor Terekhov emphasized that providing housing for people who lost their homes due to the war requires a systematic state approach. At the same time, Kharkiv provides basic support and works to integrate IDPs into the community through access to social, administrative and medical services, education for children and employment opportunities.
The mayor emphasized that part of the adaptation of IDPs is ensuring their employment and stable income. Kharkiv has a need for personnel, particularly at municipal enterprises, and the city is interested in ensuring that displaced persons receive work and feel social support.
In addition, residents who moved from the affected regions receive access to free public transport, hot lunches, support for entrepreneurs, and social programs from the city budget, which helps them cope with the consequences of the war and integrate into a new environment.
Therefore, the proposed date of February 25 can become a symbolic reminder of the path of internally displaced persons, while Igor Terekhov focused on its practical aspect.
