The concept note of the NGO Referral mechanisms for returning and displaced Ukrainians was developed by the Rokada Charitable Foundation with the grant support from the Council of Europe project "Facilitating access to human rights and essential services for internally displaced persons and returnees at the community level" in 2025.
It was created in cooperation with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from Ukraine, Germany, Poland, Slovakia, France and Denmark.
The Mechanism describes the voluntary return of Ukrainian citizens with special attention to vulnerable categories of the population with the support of NGOs of the EU and Ukraine.
It consists of 9 stages:
- first contact and identification of the need (a person applies to an NGO in the EU);
- assessment of motivation and risks, selection of a partner organization in Ukraine, making a decision on referral;
- obtaining informed consent for the transfer of personal data to an NGO in Ukraine;
- independent filling out of the form for the transfer of personal data by a person;
- transfer of information (in compliance with the requirements for the protection of personal data);
- planning for return (departure from the host country, border crossing, arrival in the community);
- a trip home;
- reception and reintegration;
- post-monitoring and feedback.
The reception and reintegration of a person is carried out in cooperation with the host community. In the first 72 hours after arrival, basic support is provided, during the first week - needs assessment, further reintegration takes place according to an individual plan.
The mechanism also provides individualized support services for families with children, people with disabilities, people with chronic diseases, parents raising children on their own, and the elderly.
During the implementation of grant support, the mechanism was applied in 20 return cases. The photo shows the return of Mrs. Nina.
Read more about the Сoncept note of the NGO Referral mechanisms for returning and displaced Ukrainians here.
