Characteristics of problems and challenges faced by Ukrainian civil society organizations in providing social support to internally displaced persons

Abstract

The full-scale invasion of Ukraine has led to a worsening humanitarian situation for those who have lost their homes, been injured or wounded, and have been forced to leave their permanent places of residence. The significant increase in the number of displaced persons has created a substantial burden on social infrastructure, necessitating the optimization and enhancement of activities of social institutions and facilities. Currently, Ukraine ranks ninth in the world in terms of the number of internally displaced persons. The issue of internally displaced persons, their social adaptation, protection, and restoration of rights has become widespread and holds global significance in our country. This means that the majority of internally displaced persons are in a state of vulnerability and sometimes face difficult life circumstances. Ukrainian civil society organizations, along with state entities, provide social support and services to internally displaced persons, implementing numerous social projects and programs. Overcoming the challenges they face, civil society organizations strive to collaborate, provide proper training to their specialists for working with the target group of social work clients, as well as develop and strengthen host communities, contributing to their organizational development and potential. The East Europe Foundation (https://eef.org.ua) supports Ukrainian civil society organizations by spreading best practices for the adaptation and integration of internally displaced persons and highlighting effective interaction between local governments and new community residents. The author of the article analyzes the challenges faced by Ukrainian civil society organizations in providing social support to internally displaced persons, presents successful case studies of such practices, and offers online courses that can be useful for social work professionals in improving social support for internally displaced persons and developing effective social projects focused on this target group of social work clients.