Denys Uliutin at UNHCR Executive Committee meeting: Ukraine needs international support to protect displaced people and create conditions for citizens' return

Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine Denys Uliutin spoke at the 77th session of the Executive Committee of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). He stressed the importance of international humanitarian support, protection of internally displaced persons, and investment in long-term solutions that allow people to rebuild their lives in their communities or return home voluntarily.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), in July and August alone, 86 incidents restricting humanitarian access were recorded in Ukraine, including Russian drone and missile attacks. This is the highest number since monitoring began in 2022. "Ahead of winter, it is critically important to maintain predictable and flexible humanitarian funding, especially for frontline communities and people forced to evacuate. Civilians, civilian infrastructure and humanitarian workers must be protected," Denys Uliutin stressed.

The Minister also spoke about the Account for Humanitarian Assistance Account, which makes it possible to use state registers, verification mechanisms and payment infrastructure to deliver assistance faster and in a more targeted way, reduce duplication and strengthen accountability. According to the Minister, long-term solutions for internally displaced persons should rely on shared infrastructure, housing solutions, social services and community capacity. Assistance should be provided according to people's needs, regardless of whether they are displaced persons, local residents or returning citizens. This approach is built into the Internal Displacement Strategy to 2030, developed with UNHCR support. It envisages a consistent path from evacuation and stabilisation to integration in communities or voluntary return, when the right conditions are in place.

Denys Uliutin also thanked the countries that have given shelter to Ukrainians and welcomed the extension of temporary protection in EU countries. He stressed that for many Ukrainians who left because of the war, returning remains an important aspiration.

Ukraine will continue cooperating with UNHCR and international partners to meet urgent humanitarian needs and create conditions for Ukrainians to rebuild their lives at home.