IOM Ukraine

Yesterday, the U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink visited a collective centre for displaced people in Poltava, which has received comprehensive support from IOM and USAID. In particular, the centre received a financial grant to improve living conditions, equip communal kitchens and set up a recreation room for adults and children. “We must and will ensure Ukraine’s children – and their future – will be one of their choice, free from Russia’s war. Thanks to USAID and IOM Ukraine for their vital support,” said Ambassador Brink. Together with the United States Government, IOM will continue to support the people affected by the war in Ukraine. U.S. Embassy Kyiv USAID - Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance

On July 8, Kyiv, Kryvyi Rih, Dnipro, and other Ukrainian cities were once again targeted by Russian forces, damaging and destroying civilian infrastructure and hospitals. Dozens were killed and injured. One of Kyiv's central districts, Solomianskyi, suffered extensive damage. IOM organized a stress management training session at a local library. The session was attended by library visitors, local residents, and displaced people. Participants learned self-help techniques, ways to cope with stress and practiced writing their own mental health care plans. "Taking care of your mental state should become a habit for everyone, especially in times like these when everyone is constantly under stress. It is important to have the appropriate knowledge to cope with stress and improve the quality of our life," says Polina, a resident of the Solomianskyi district. The event was made possible with funding from the Government of Japan Japan - The Government of Japan.

The war in Ukraine has caused a widespread protracted displacement both inside and outside the country, leaving millions in need of support to access and afford housing. According to the latest Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) report, only 7 per cent of displaced people own their homes, while 59 per cent have to rent, despite the economic strain. The majority of those who remain in their regions of origin reported owning their accommodation (72%). Read the full report: https://bit.ly/4eYKfUG  📌 Leave your feedback on DTM products: https://bit.ly/4bO3nSE

“Since the beginning of the full-scale war, we have supported 129 collective centres for displaced people in Zakarpattia. It is crucial to review our work, coordinate with our partners and plan future actions to improve the quality of life of displaced people,” says Kyrylo Sumiatin, IOM National Programme Officer. Nearly 20 representatives from local authorities, humanitarian organizations and partners attended an IOM workshop, funded by USAID - Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance USAID. Participants discussed current issues in the management of collective centres, their consolidation and shared experiences and ideas for long-term solutions to effectively meet the needs of displaced people in Zakarpattia region, western Ukraine.

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“The young people at the IOM summer school are eager and curious to learn about migration and how to be a positive force in their communities. It is fun to see all their talents and creativity on display too. I look forward to seeing their future achievements,” shares Niamh MC Evoy, IOM’s Programme Officer. The second and third days of the “Together for Success” youth summer school were full of discussions, meetings with interesting speakers and valuable knowledge. Participants also had the opportunity to have fun during a quest, creative workshops, music, dance and sports activities. IOM is organizing the youth summer school in cooperation with the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine with funding from Auswärtiges Amt (Federal Foreign Office) Germany through the German Development Bank KfW.

Despite the recent heat wave in Ukraine, preparing for the winter ahead remains a top priority for IOM. Yesterday, IOM joined Kharkiv authorities, international agencies and local NGOs at a roundtable meeting focused on recovery efforts in Kharkiv region and winter preparations.    Over the past year, IOM has implemented several projects to support Kharkiv region residents, including restoring infrastructure damaged by hostilities and modernizing old facilities. Adapting to local needs, IOM installed cogeneration units to ensure a heating plant in Kharkiv operates independently, providing heat to over 160,000 residents and 20,000 displaced people. IOM has also supported the installation of solid fuel boilers in six villages of the region, benefiting 8,400 residents and 800 displaced people. These projects were made possible thanks to funding from USAID - Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance , European Union and the Government of France .   IOM is committed to helping the eastern regions of Ukraine prepare for the winter season ahead.

With 433 collective centres assessed across Ukraine, IOM team identified the most pertinent needs: ◾ Repair of premises ◾ Hygiene kits ◾ Kitchen appliances Assessments were conducted with the financial support from USAID - Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance IOM remains committed to providing timely and needs-based support to displaced people currently residing in collective centres.   

Dormitory №3 of the National Pedagogical Drahomanov University in Kyiv now serves as a collective centre for over 200 displaced people. While some residents have been housed in this collective centre since 2022, new people are arriving, having been recently displaced from eastern and southern Ukraine due to ongoing hostilities. IOM, with support from USAID - Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, provided the collective centre with multi-purpose cookers, fridges, microwaves and other essential items. Recent arrivals received kits with essential household items, beds and mattresses. “IOM's critical work provides a lifeline to Ukrainians, many coming from the occupied areas who cannot safely return home. IOM's efforts have alleviated suffering for many vulnerable people, and we are proud to partner with IOM to support it,” says Xerses Sidhwa, USAID Ukraine Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) leader.

From August 2023 to April 2024, IOM, with funding from European Union, assisted more than 200,000 displaced and war-affected people in Ukraine. Thanks to the continued support of our partners, those most vulnerable received essential support, including hygiene kits, fuel, psychological and financial support, as well as repairs of community centres, medical and educational facilities and critical infrastructure.