The International Registry of Losses has opened a new category for Ukrainians forced to leave the country
Previously, the International Register of Losses for Ukraine did not include the ability to document cases of Ukrainians who were forced to leave the country and travel abroad in search of protection from the war. This gap in the system meant that millions of citizens who found themselves outside the country could not officially record their losses and displacements, making it difficult to further compensate for the damage. However, Ukraine has addressed this gap by introducing a new category A1.2 “Forced displacement outside Ukraine”, which allows Ukrainians who have received protection in other countries to officially document the damage and losses associated with their displacement and creates a legal basis for future compensation.
Who can use category A1.2 in the International Register of Losses
The International Register of Losses for Ukraine has expanded its capabilities by introducing a category A1.2 dedicated to forced displacement of Ukrainians abroad. This decision allows for the official recording of cases where citizens were forced to leave their place of residence due to a full-scale invasion by the Russian Federation and sought protection in other states, providing an opportunity to document the consequences of aggression for future compensation. The opening of this category was a logical step in the development of the register, as previously the main focus was on internal displacement and damage caused on the territory of Ukraine.
A category A1.2 application can be submitted by individuals who left their homes and left Ukraine due to a direct threat to life or danger arising from aggression. This category also includes those who have received asylum or temporary protection in other countries, which confirms their actual inability to return home.
It is important that citizens who have already registered themselves in category A1.1 “Forced internal displacement” can also apply for the new category, which allows for a comprehensive reflection of the entire spectrum of displacements and losses.
Mechanism of submission and functioning of the register
Applications are submitted through the web portal Diya, which provides digital recording of documents and control over the process of their processing. Today, the International Register of Losses includes 15 categories covering various types of losses: death or disappearance of loved ones, violation of personal integrity, damage or destruction of real estate, loss of housing or place of residence, and loss of control over property in temporarily occupied territories.
Category A1.2 complements this system, providing the opportunity to issue documents regarding movement outside Ukraine, which has remained unnoticed until now.
Practical significance of the category for Ukrainians abroad
The introduction of category A1.2 allows internally displaced persons to officially record the damage caused by aggression and confirm their status in international and national documents. For those outside Ukraine, this creates a basis for future compensation for losses, and also allows participation in state support programs, which often require documentary confirmation of status.
Application in the Register actually becomes the first step for those who seek to protect their rights and receive compensation in the future, recording damage not only of a material, but also social and psychological nature.
The Ministry of Justice of Ukraine emphasizes that the expansion of the register allows for a more comprehensive tracking of citizens’ losses and planning compensation programs. The data entering the register helps to assess the scale of displacement, analyze the needs of displaced persons abroad, and prioritize state assistance.
This includes social support, medical services, labor market integration, and educational programs for children. Relevant analytics allow the state to better predict the needs of citizens and allocate resources to those affected by the war.
The opening of category A1.2 demonstrates that the international Register of Damages is gradually covering all aspects of the consequences of aggression, including transnational displacement. Recording these facts creates a legal basis for future compensation and contributes to the formation of a holistic picture of the socio-economic consequences of the war for Ukrainians. Since displacement abroad is a long and often unpredictable process, digital registration of applications becomes an important tool for protecting citizens’ rights and ensuring justice.
