Consultants of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), experts of NGO “Poruch” – Mariia Tyshchenko and Ganna Skytova conducted a series of facilitation sessions for post-conflict communities of Donbass territories.

Within the project “Assistance to stabilize communities in Donbass”, which implements the IOM with the support of the Japanese government, communities prepared project applications for taking part in the competition of projects aimed to improve social cohesion in the community.

IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration, which works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners and is a member of the UN Country Team in Ukraine. IOM aims to provide regulated and humane management of migration, international partnerships in solving migration issues, help in finding practical solutions to migration problems and to provide humanitarian support to migrants in need, including refugees and internally displaced persons. IOM works in the field of migration and development, facilitating migration, regulating migration and forced migration.

The objectives of the project were:

• the involvement of wide range of communities (locals, IDPs, national minorities and ethnic groups, people with special needs) to participate in social activities aimed at community cohesion and harmonious coexistence;
• expansion of social services for the population of the community at the place of residence;
• development of volunteering and community initiatives; establishing understanding between locals and IDPs;
• development of social activity and responsibility of citizens.

Participants in the competition are territorial community Bakhmut, Druzhkivka, Kostiantynivka, Lysychansk, Severodonetsk, Kramatorsk, Sviatogorsk and village Borivske.

The project supports activities that would facilitate integration of IDPs (internally displaced persons), national minorities and ethnic groups, and also people with special needs; initiating new social services for all residents of the community; launching voluntary initiatives; measures aimed at adapting the environment for persons with disabilities.

Good luck to all participants!