East SOS Calls on the Government to Preserve Continuity in State Policy for People Affected by russian Aggression

On July 16, 2026, following the restructuring of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, responsibility for shaping and coordinating state policy on internal displacement will be transferred to the newly established Ministry for Communities, Territories and Internally Displaced Persons.

East SOS emphasizes that this institutional restructuring must not interrupt the implementation of reforms and support mechanisms already put in place for internally displaced persons (IDPs). The new ministry should ensure the continued implementation of the State Policy Strategy on Internal Displacement until 2030, the 2026–2028 Operational Action Plan, and the ongoing work of the Coordination Council on IDPs.

At the same time, state policy should extend beyond IDPs and encompass all people whose rights have been violated as a result of russia’s armed aggression. This includes Ukrainians displaced abroad by the war, residents of frontline, temporarily occupied and liberated territories, people whose homes have been damaged, destroyed or remain inaccessible, civilian captives, deported persons, and other war-affected populations.

East SOS calls on the Government to designate a single authorized body responsible for shaping and coordinating this policy. In the long term, this role should be assumed by a dedicated ministry with a cross-sectoral mandate and appropriate coordination powers.

State policy must be grounded in human rights, the restoration of violated rights, and the continuity of support for people affected by the war.

The full text of East SOS’s position statement is available below.