On 10^th March 2017 a round table “Housing and protection of social and economic rights of IDPs in the region” was organised by the Council of Europe Project “Strengthening the Human Rights Protection of Internally Displaced Persons in Ukraine” in cooperation with the Ministry of temporarily occupied territories and internally displaced persons of Ukraine, with support of Dnipropetrovsk regional state administration.

The purpose of the round table was to get acquainted the representatives of Dnipropetrovsk region with the activities of the Working Group on improving national legislation on the protection of the human rights of IDPs (hereinafter - Working Group). The round table served as a space to receive expert opinions from participants regarding protection of human rights of IDPs and improvement of capacities of the organizations working with internally displaced persons.

The Working Group was established by the order of the Minister of temporary occupied territories and IDPs of Ukraine dated 12^th October 2016. It works on elaboration of the amendments to the Ukrainian regulatory framework with the aim to improve national legislation on protection of human rights of internally displaced persons in Ukraine within its five topics: 1. Improving the legal status of IDPs and the mandate of state authorities and local self-government; 2. Confirmation of civil status and agreements, recognition of legal facts; 3. Protection of social and economic rights of IDPs; 4. Ensuring access to education; 5. Housing, restitution, compensation for property loss.

During the round table, two particular issues were discussed: “Protection of social and economic rights of IDPs” (social protection and benefits, social services, access to medicine, employment, etc.) and “Housing, restitution, compensation for property loss” (IDPs mechanisms to ensure housing, compensation for lost properties etc.).

The event was attended by representatives of Dnipropetrovsk regional state administration, international and local organizations, heads and lawyers of the secondary legal aid centers, experts and professionals working in the field of protection of IDPs rights. Participants appreciated the opportunity to join this cross-sectorial platform for dialogue and to get familiar with the key achievements of the Working Group.

All recommendations prepared as a result of the round table will be forwarded to the representatives of relevant subgroups of the Working Group. Participants expressed their hope that representatives of the regional authorities would be further involved in such expert meetings of the Working Group.