The last nine months in Ukraine have been marked by a rapid succession of intense, disruptive events which have profoundly affected Ukrainian society.
Following the mass protest movement on Maidan in late 2013, which culminated in the overthrow of the Government after the violent clashes between security forces and protestors in February 2014, an interim government was appointed. While both the Government and the subsequent election of a new President are generally supported by most Ukrainian citizens, their legitimacy are questioned by some quarters, including in Eastern Ukraine.
Violence conflict in the Eastern regions and the occupation of Crimea has led a growing number of people to leave their homes and relocate elsewhere in Ukraine or even abroad. The majority of internally displaced persons (IDP) movements have taken place to safer regions. As of 20 August 2014, UNOCHA reported a total of 190,087 internally displaced persons (174,380 – from Eastern Ukraine and 15,707 – from Crimea). At the same time, regional departments of social protection registered approximately 100,000 IDPs, of which 35 percent are women and 34 percent are children, while men constitute about 20 percent, and rest are elderly and disabled people. According to Russian sources, more than 700,000 have fled to the Russian Federation. A Needs Assessment conducted by OCHA in June 2014 in the Donetsk and Lugansk Oblasts indicates that, potentially, a total of 1.52 million people may leave the Eastern regions of Ukraine, should armed conflict and violence continue to take place.
According to numerous sources, there are considerable gaps in the State’s ability to protect IDPs. The central authorities had not issued formal instructions on how to register and assist displaced persons, leading to different practices across the country. Regional authorities are reported to be waiting for instructions on funding allocations for IDPs from the Eastern regions. At present, the basic needs of IDPs are generally covered by activists and civil society. Yet, charitable response capacity is limited and without a systemic countrywide solution-oriented coordination mechanism, it is unlikely to be sustainable for a long period of time, especially in the event of mass arrivals.
There is no medium- to long-term planning to handle IDP-related issues. As IDPs do not appear to expect a long-term stay, some activities are not being undertaken – e.g. employment and income generation supportive activities. So far basic social services are not provided, and the most urgent problem is the medical treatment, especially support to children, pregnant women and the disabled. Moreover, IDPs do not have access to legal support and justice services. Some of them also lost important legal/civic documentation (cases of lost property titles etc.). Many IDPs do not have access to social assistance and benefits, including retirement and child benefits.
The key problems and needs currently faced by IDPs are humanitarian, livelihoods, integration, and security challenges.
Taking this into consideration UNDP developed the Rapid Response to IDPs Issues Project (RRIDP) that would be a short-term, fast intervention planned to provide urgent support to IDPs located outside their home regions and, as such, should be considered as a precursor to a larger more long-term early recovery intervention focused on populations in post conflict zones.
In a view of the above, UNDP in the framework of implementation of Project Initiation Phase, invites applications from highly qualified and experienced Ukrainian professionals for the post of Project Associate to enhance technical performance of the project with an accent on finance, logistics and communication aspects.
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