LOCAL DIMENSION OF THE NEEDS OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS: THE EXAMPLE OF UZHHOROD TERRITORIAL COMMUNITY

Abstract

Since the beginning of the Russian armed aggression in Ukraine, the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) has increased many times. Communities in Western Ukraine are mostly small and have faced serious challenges in accommodating and meeting the urgent needs of IDPs. The duration of the war will radically affect the growth of medium-term and long-term needs of IDPs. Because of the traumatic environment in which IDPs who have been evacuated from a war zone find themselves, they are at a significantly higher risk of developing these health problems. These problems can be overcome by de-escalating the specified situations, moving to a safer environment and contacting social workers and psychologists. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to find out the profile of the needs of internally displaced persons in the Uzhgorod territorial community and the methods of their implementation. One of the tasks of the Uzhgorod TG is the development of "uniting" social networks of IDPs, which is an important factor in successful social integration. The potential of the Uzhgorod community is not fully used by the authorities to meet the needs of IDPs. Gaps in the educational sphere and the labor market are especially noticeable. Intensification of work in these areas can accelerate the adaptation of IDPs to new living conditions. According to the results of a focus group study, a Children’s Space for preschool children was opened on the basis of one of the dormitories of the Uzhhorod National University, and the creation of a co-working space, which will provide the opportunity to study and work remotely for schoolchildren, students and adult IDPs, has also begun.