Temporary Must Remain Temporary: East SOS at the III All-Ukrainian Forum of IDP Councils
On November 14–15, Kyiv hosted the III All-Ukrainian Forum of IDP Councils, organized by the Stabilization Support Services Charitable Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of Community and Territorial Development of Ukraine.
The event brought together representatives of government bodies, local authorities, international and Ukrainian organizations, and IDP Councils. Participants discussed the key challenges of integrating internally displaced persons into host communities, the effectiveness of state policies on IDPs, and the tools that help councils drive real change.
Yaroslav Taranets, Advocate at East SOS, spoke at the panel discussion “From Temporary to Sustainable: How to Ensure Decent Living Conditions for IDPs and Promote Integration Instead of Isolation.” The panel addressed the quality of humanitarian response and the need for systemic, long-term solutions to ensure integration of displaced people. Speakers also examined what IDP Councils can do now to ensure these solutions reflect the needs, challenges, and capacities of people forced to flee the war.
A key topic was the implementation of Resolution No. 1307, adopted on October 10, 2025. This resolution regulates the legal status of transit centers – the first safe stop for evacuees where they receive essential services: registration, food, medical and psychological support, legal assistance, and coordination of further accommodation.
Yaroslav Taranets described how East SOS teams work through every stage of the full evacuation cycle – from the first application to permanent resettlement in receiving communities – and the challenges that arise along the way. He stressed the importance of keeping the temporary truly temporary, ensuring that transitional accommodation leads to sustainable housing and long-term solutions.
“We must build a systemic architecture to support affected people. Evacuation is only the first step when someone leaves danger. Resolution No. 1307 reinforces the state’s role in supporting evacuees. Today, humanitarian organizations – including ours – work in transit centers in Pavlohrad, Lozova, and Voloske. Our first task is to help each person regain balance and provide psychological, legal, and social assistance. Behind all this, it’s essential to see not just statistics but the personal stories of the people we help,” – Yaroslav Taranets.
The discussion moderator, Kseniia Hedz, emphasized two crucial points highlighted by the speaker:
- Integration tools must be comprehensive. They should include psychological, legal, and social support at transit centers; assistance with employment and choosing a host community; and building a full architecture of adaptation and integration in place. Special focus must be placed on people requiring additional care. Yaroslav Taranets stressed the importance of implementing Resolution No. 888, which funds residential care homes on the principle of “money follows the person,” ensuring older adults can find long-term housing after evacuation.
- The decisive role of social services. Roads and houses can be rebuilt, but restoring people’s lives through strong social services is the foundation of Ukraine’s recovery.
During the forum, East SOS also presented “Chronicles of Evacuation,” a photo exhibition documenting the process of rescuing civilians.
Following the event, the organizers will prepare recommendations for state authorities, drawing on regional experiences to strengthen the integration of IDP Councils into national policy and expand their role in local democracy.
Yuliia Chokas, Regional Manager at East SOS, serves on the IDP Council under the Mykolaiv Regional State Administration, where she advocates for displaced people and participates in training IDPs on mechanisms for civic participation. The Council also submits proposals to improve IDP integration and conducts information campaigns.
Yaroslav Taranets recently joined the IDP Council at the Kyiv City Military Administration. He notes that this role offers an opportunity to focus on real needs and develop practical solutions to improve the lives of displaced people.
We sincerely thank the organizers and all participants for their dedication, valuable insights, and commitment to supporting Ukraine’s displaced communities.
East SOS also recently took part in a workshop in Odesa, contributing to discussions on the Duty of Care.
