Only 16% of Local Programs Supporting IDPs Have Clear and Measurable Indicators – Head of the Disinformation Counteraction Laboratory at KNEU

During a press conference held at the Interfax-Ukraine agency, Vitaliy Kulyk highlighted a concerning statistic regarding local programs aimed at assisting internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Ukraine. He stated that only 16% of these programs can boast the presence of clear and measurable effectiveness indicators. This lack of accountability complicates the assessment of the actual effectiveness of these initiatives, as many documents fail to include key performance indicators (KPIs).

Kulyk emphasized that the primary issue with these targeted programs is that specialized initiatives tend to perform significantly better than general programs that merely mention IDPs. He remarked, "Only 16% of local targeted programs have clear and measurable effectiveness indicators. This indicates that even the documents lack KPIs. Moreover, 54% of the programs have a formal, declarative nature," underscoring the need for more robust frameworks.

He further illustrated the problem by citing examples from various regions in Ukraine, where model programs were created by simply copying previous documents. "Several local targeted programs, particularly in one region, are glaring examples. They were merely rewritten, copied, and in some cases, forgot to change the name of the district. Additionally, 30% of programs do not mention IDPs at all. Only 10% of local government representatives consistently engage non-governmental and international organizations in the implementation of these programs," Kulyk noted.

Kulyk also drew attention to the inadequate level of inclusivity, particularly regarding the participation of IDP community representatives in the development of local targeted programs. He remarked, "This level of involvement is quite low, despite local government declarations that they consider the positions of IDPs." This highlights a disconnect between policy intentions and actual practices.

In response to these findings, Ukrainian MP and co-founder of the public organization "IDPs of Ukraine," Serhiy Kozyr, pointed out that there is currently no single body or ministry in Ukraine that can provide an accurate count of internally displaced persons. "There is a coordination center that primarily accepts applications from people displaced from conflict zones, but it is now under the Ministry of Restoration, while the Ministry of Social Policy administers it. One accepts, passes it to another, and the third one pays. The Ministry of Education is focused on its own matters, and the Ministry of Health is concerned with its own issues, resulting in individuals remaining unaccommodated," Kozyr explained.

Additionally, Ukrainian MP and co-chair of the inter-factional association "IDPs of Ukraine" in the Verkhovna Rada, Maksym Tkachenko, reported that the payment of 3,000 hryvnias for children of displaced persons is currently only available to those who have experienced repeated displacement after 2022. "This is an example of discrimination and the categorization of internally displaced persons into 'this type and that type,' separating those in need of assistance from families that, according to the government and some ministers, should have already adapted," Tkachenko stressed.