A new law on IDPs has entered into force: what is important to know?

On 22 October, the new Law of Ukraine “On Ensuring the Rights and Freedoms of Internally Displaced Persons” entered into force. It provides a new approach to supporting IDPs: not only registration and payments, but also assessment of each person’s needs, help with specific problems, adaptation to a new place and integration into the life of the host community.

What is important to know now?

The changes will be introduced gradually.

▪️ Previously issued IDP certificates remain valid for now. There is NO need to replace them or register again.

▪️ The procedure for obtaining a certificate remains unchanged for now. People applying for IDP registration for the first time after 22 October can still obtain a certificate through the Diia app or apply to an Administrative Services Centre or social protection authority.

▪️All existing procedures for applying for and receiving assistance for internally displaced persons remain in place.

What will change after the relevant regulations are adopted and new digital tools are launched:

• Changes to the IDP registration system and transition to the Unified Information Database. A person will be able to obtain an extract online instead of applying for a certificate. This digital service is currently under development.
• Providing support according to a person’s needs. The law provides for assessment of IDPs’ needs at different stages to determine what assistance a person or family requires. This will make it possible to plan support according to IDPs’ actual needs, rather than limiting it to registration and living allowances.
• Creating a unified housing register for IDP needs. The law provides for a unified information and analytical system of real estate, which local governments will populate and update. It will enable housing to be matched to the needs of an IDP family.
• Participation in community life. IDPs will be able to participate more fully in community life, including public hearings, support programmes and addressing local issues. Authorities under which IDP councils are established will be required to consider their proposals.

Minregion will provide further information about the changes to be implemented, adoption of the relevant regulations, new support instruments and how to use them.