Aligning the efforts of the state, international partners, local authorities, and civil society is key to effectively addressing the housing needs of war-affected populations in Ukraine.
This goal was the focus of the international forum“Housing for war-affected populations: partnership for sustainable solutions”, held on 30 July 2025 in Kyiv.
The ideas and approaches developed during the forum will form the basis of future actions to improve housing support for war-affected populations.
The event brought together representatives of the parliament, central and local executive authorities, local self-government bodies, as well as international and national non-governmental organisations.
Participants discussed the following key topics:
- current housing programmes and initiatives, and their effectiveness;
- criteria for selecting communities and beneficiaries;
- the role of national and international partners in addressing housing issues;
- existing challenges and ways to improve coordination to create accessible and sustainable housing solutions.
In his opening remarks, Oleksii Kuleba, Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine - Minister for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine, emphasised that housing for war-affected populations remains one of the most complex and pressing issues, and it should be addressed through close cooperation.
“We need to synchronise our efforts across the state, communities, international donors, and organisations working in this field. When everyone moves in different directions, resources are scattered, and impact decreases. But when all actors work within a common framework, the results improve – first and foremost for the people,” said Mr. Kuleba.
Pavlo Frolov, Chair of Temporary Special Commission of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on the protection of property and non-property rights of internally displaced persons and other persons affected by the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, added: “Today’s event is a response to the question of how to ensure that the support provided by all stakeholders is effective – so that every dollar, every euro, every hryvnia spent on housing issues truly benefits the most vulnerable categories who genuinely need this support”.
Lilja Grétarsdóttir, Head of the Human Rights, Justice and Legal Co-operation Standard-Setting Department, Directorate General Human Rights and Rule of Law, Council of Europe, thanked the partners for their dedicated work in addressing the housing needs of war-affected populations in Ukraine.
“Your contribution to addressing the housing needs of war-affected populations is indeed leading to tangible changes that impact lives and shape the future. Thank you for your dedication,” said Ms. Grétarsdóttir.
She also noted that the Council of Europe has supported a number of key initiatives that have already delivered concrete results, including information campaign, the strengthening of digital infrastructure, and support for legislative and policy development.
The forum is organised by the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine in cooperation with the Temporary Special Commission of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on the Protection of Property and Non-Property Rights of Internally Displaced Persons and Other Persons Affected by the Armed Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, with the support of the Council of Europe Project “Facilitating housing solutions for the war-affected people in Ukraine. Phase II”.
