Decision to Transfer Derzhmolodzhytlo Under the Ministry of Economy Could Undermine the State Housing Program for Internally Displaced Persons: Human Rights Organizations Appeal to the Government of Ukraine

The Coalition of organizations working to protect the rights of those affected by armed aggression against Ukraine – including East SOS – calls on the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine to refrain from making any decisions that would lead to the merger of Derzhmolodzhytlo (State Fund for Support of Youth Housing Construction) and Ukrfinzhytlo (Ukrainian Financial Housing Company). The merger and transfer of Derzhmolodzhytlo to the Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture of Ukraine could deprive thousands of internally displaced persons, veterans, and young people of the opportunity to obtain housing while also undermining public and international partners’ trust in the state.

At the beginning of April, more than 50 organizations had already spoken out against such a merger, emphasizing the risks it poses to the sustainability of the state housing policy and international partnerships. At that time, they called for an open and public discussion of the initiative.

Despite this, on April 30, 2026, the Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture of Ukraine submitted for approval a draft resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine regarding placing Derzhmolodzhytlo’s unified property complex under the Ministry of Economy’s management as a step toward its eventual merger with Ukrfinzhytlo.

Human rights organizations warn that this decision would lead to a number of negative consequences, including the loss of trust among international partners and the risk of suspension of preferential housing loan programs; a decline in public trust due to decision-making without the participation of relevant stakeholders; jeopardizing implementation of local housing programs; and additional unjustified expenses, including costs related to the re-registration of the institution.

At the same time, such a merger would not create a “single housing programs operator” but would merely selectively redistribute certain financial tools, raising serious questions about the rationale behind this decision.

To support the position statement, please use the link. This position requires public support and attention to prevent thousands of people from losing access to housing opportunities. The full text of the position statement is available below/via the link.

As of May 4, 2026, the document had already been signed by:

• CF “The Right to Protection”
• CF “East SOS”
• Civil Holding “GROUP OF INFLUENCE”
• CF “Stabilization Support Services”
• Crimean Human Rights Group
• NGO “CrimeaSOS”
• NGO “Crisis Insight”
• NGO “Donbas SOS”
• Human Rights Center ZMINA

Recently, the Coalition of Human Rights Organizations prepared a position statement regarding the proposal to merge Derzhmolodzhytlo and Ukrfinzhytlo