In a recent interview, Ukraine’s Human Rights Commissioner, Dmytro Lubinets, expressed concerns regarding the government’s approach to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and residents of temporarily occupied territories. He characterized the current policy as fundamentally flawed, highlighting several critical issues that hinder effective support.
Lubinets identified key problems, including the absence of a dedicated ministry to oversee IDP affairs, a lack of a coherent and sustainable state policy, and the failure to maintain a registry that tracks the needs and housing losses of displaced individuals. Additionally, he pointed out discrimination against various categories of IDPs, particularly those who fled occupied territories between 2014 and 2022, who do not have access to certain support programs available to those displaced after 2022.
“The Ukrainian government must first account for all citizens, provide assistance as much as possible, and at least comprehend the scale of the tragedy,” Lubinets stated.
He also discussed the Ombudsman Office’s efforts to assist citizens in leaving occupied territories, noting that many individuals reach out for help with logistics or funding. Concerns have been raised about how Ukraine will respond to those who have obtained Russian passports while under occupation.
Currently, there is a route available for evacuation through the Domaneve checkpoint between Ukraine and Belarus, which officially opened in 2024. Lubinets explained, “From our side, this is the Volyn region. Legally, this is the only crossing point through which Ukrainian citizens can evacuate from temporarily occupied territories. However, they must first travel to Russia, then to Belarus, and enter Ukraine through this checkpoint.” Since its opening, over 17,000 civilians, including 1,113 children, have crossed this point.
In July 2025, the Ukrainian government dissolved the Ministry of National Unity, which was previously responsible for policies regarding occupied territories and support for IDPs. Its functions were transferred to the Ministry of Social Policy, Family, and Unity. The newly appointed Minister of National Unity, Oleksiy Chernyshov, indicated that the responsibilities of the former ministry would be divided between the Ministry of Community and Territorial Development and the Ministry of Social Policy.
Human rights organizations have urged the government to prioritize assistance to residents of occupied territories and IDPs, especially in light of the ministry’s dissolution.
Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine's Human Rights Commissioner, has criticized the government's handling of internally displaced persons and residents of occupied territories, citing significant policy gaps and a lack of support mechanisms. He calls for urgent action to address these issues and improve assistance for affected citizens.