UA RDNA3 report EN

As of December 2023, approximately 13.5 million people in Ukraine were displaced due to the war, constituting about one-third of the population.
By December 2023, about 5.9 million Ukrainians were recorded as refugees across Europe, reflecting a reduction from 8.1 million in February 2023.
The number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Ukraine is estimated at 3.7 million as of October 2023, decreased from 5.4 million reported in February 2023.
Officially registered IDPs peaked at almost 4.9 million in December 2022 and stood at approximately 4.9 million in December 2023, as per the Ministry of Social Policy.

Factors influencing the return of displaced individuals include:
- Livelihood opportunities.
- Availability of utilities and services.
- Condition of residential areas (destruction).
- Safety and security.
- Social tensions in public life.
Proximity to hostilities significantly affects refugees’ decisions to return.
Surveys indicate that a large majority (76% of refugees, 82% of IDPs) express an intention to return, heavily relying on security conditions and access to housing and jobs upon return.

Since February 2022, challenges faced by IDPs regarding legal status, social benefits, and re-entry into host countries have increased.
IDPs must be registered with the right documentation to receive assistance, and criteria for governmental aid have changed, limiting eligibility.
The average IDP household consists of 3.3 individuals, with a significant portion in working age, revealing larger household sizes compared to pre-war averages.
Monthly assistance for displaced persons amounts to UAH 3,000 for disabled individuals and children, and UAH 2,000 for adults, which many find insufficient.

Employment rates among IDPs were lower before the war, exacerbating post-war challenges. As of early 2023, only 30% of IDP households relied on salaries, with many facing issues related to documentation.
Most IDPs rely on temporary accommodation with family or friends, with approximately 120,000 remaining in collective sites.
Many IDPs lack access to affordable housing options and have difficulty resuming employment.

The youth demographic is particularly impacted, with significant numbers displaced. Nearly 1.04 million children under 18 have been registered as IDPs.
Educational losses and growing mental health issues plague dislocated children, leading to decreased learning outcomes and increased needs for psychological support.
Legislative measures and educational systems face significant disruption, impacting children’s reintegration into schooling.

The elderly and individuals with disabilities experience heightened vulnerabilities due to inadequate services and support structures.
As of late 2023, the number of elderly persons unable to meet basic needs has risen, adversely affecting their health and economic stability.

Comprehensive frameworks for IDPs’ housing and employment support should be developed, focusing on accessibility and sustainability.
Subsidized rental housing and vocational training programs are essential to address gaps in employment for displaced populations, particularly for women, youth, and veterans.
More extensive support for educational recovery and mental health services for displaced youth is crucial for holistic recovery strategies.