The policy on the return of Ukrainians must be integrated into a broader strategy for recovery and protection, which enables populations affected by the war to rebuild their lives through legal certainty, access to economic opportunities, social services and support. Such an approach will help people make informed decisions about their future, whilst strengthening social cohesion and the resilience of local communities.
Accordingly, human rights organisations have drawn up a joint statement entitled ‘Recovery starts with people: Integrating Return Policy into Ukraine’s Right-Based, Human-Centred and Social Cohesion-Oriented Recovery and Protection Policy for War-Affected Populations’. The document calls for a coordinated and human rights-based approach to the return and reintegration of Ukrainians affected by the war.
The statement emphasises that return should not be viewed as a separate policy aimed solely at bringing people back to Ukraine. Instead, the issues of return and reintegration must become an integral part of policies on recovery, protection, social cohesion, housing, employment and human capital development.
The document also calls on the European Union, EU Member States, the Government of Ukraine, international partners, local authorities, civil society and the private sector to join forces to ensure that return and reintegration are safe, dignified and sustainable.
“Recovery starts with people, and it can be sustainable only if it protects human rights, strengthens communities, and enables people to make real, informed, dignified choices about their lives. This is crucial for Ukraine’s recovery, Europe’s security, and the defence of a democratic future,” - as stated in the statement.
We invite organisations and partners to support this statement and join us in promoting a people-centred approach to Ukraine’s return and recovery policies.