IDP Councils Are the Real Voice of Displaced Persons, Not a Formality
Published on 14 October 2025, at 11:56
More than 5 million Ukrainians have been forced to leave their homes because of the war. Despite all the challenges, they remain active — working, creating businesses, and supporting their communities.
This was discussed during the Western Ukrainian Forum of IDP Councils, which was attended by Pavlo Frolov, Chairman of the Temporary Special Commission of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on the Protection of IDP Rights.
In many communities, IDP Councils have already been established, where displaced persons, together with local authorities, address issues of housing, employment, and social support.
However, these councils currently lack a clear legal framework.
That is why the adoption of Draft Law No. 12301 (a new version of the Law of Ukraine “On the Protection of the Rights of Internally Displaced Persons”) is crucial. It will make the participation of displaced persons in decision-making systematic and institutionalized.
The draft law provides for the creation of IDP councils under local self-government bodies and local administrations, with their proposals having consultative and advisory status and real weight in shaping policy.
“For me, IDP Councils are not a formality, but a platform for partnership — where displaced persons are not only heard but truly influence decisions. From local initiatives to national strategy. From forced displacement to full integration,” said Pavlo Frolov.
The Temporary Special Commission will continue working on the legislative establishment of mechanisms for IDP participation in decision-making at all levels of government so that the voice of displaced persons remains an integral part of Ukraine’s recovery process.
This was discussed during the Western Ukrainian Forum of IDP Councils, which was attended by Pavlo Frolov, Chairman of the Temporary Special Commission of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on the Protection of IDP Rights.
In many communities, IDP Councils have already been established, where displaced persons, together with local authorities, address issues of housing, employment, and social support.
However, these councils currently lack a clear legal framework.
That is why the adoption of Draft Law No. 12301 (a new version of the Law of Ukraine “On the Protection of the Rights of Internally Displaced Persons”) is crucial. It will make the participation of displaced persons in decision-making systematic and institutionalized.
The draft law provides for the creation of IDP councils under local self-government bodies and local administrations, with their proposals having consultative and advisory status and real weight in shaping policy.
“For me, IDP Councils are not a formality, but a platform for partnership — where displaced persons are not only heard but truly influence decisions. From local initiatives to national strategy. From forced displacement to full integration,” said Pavlo Frolov.
The Temporary Special Commission will continue working on the legislative establishment of mechanisms for IDP participation in decision-making at all levels of government so that the voice of displaced persons remains an integral part of Ukraine’s recovery process.