Lviv – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is scaling up its support for internally displaced persons  in western Ukraine through a government programme which sets out to to repair residential facilities in 20 communities

“We will focus on providing housing for those displaced by the war, and participate in the reconstruction of existing premises,” said Manfred Profazi, IOM Regional Director for Southeast Europe, Eastern Europe and Central Asia  when he met with the Head of the Lviv Regional Military Administration last week. 

With support from IOM, capital repairs will be carried out in four vocational, technical and higher education institutions to allow them to   accommodate up to 1,100 displaced people. 

The need to create additional places to accommodate people is becoming more critical as temperatures start to fall. Many communal facilities are not suitable for cold weather conditions.  

IOM will support the repair of toilets, showers and flooring, and instal heating systems.

"We will continue to monitor the needs of the population in Lviv region and other regions, providing financial or material assistance and services where they are most needed,” said Profazi.

 IOM provides a range of specialized and general support for millions of vulnerable people affected by war. In the Lviv region, IOM implements a programme of grant support for the recovery of businesses affected by military actions; ensures distribution of humanitarian aid to displaced persons through partner NGOs, local and regional authorities, and humanitarian aid points; deploys medical mobile teams; and provides psychological assistance.

During his visit to Lviv, Profazi also visited an IOM warehouse that enables large flows of items, procured both locally and from neighboring countries into key locations. With six additional warehouses, IOM Ukraine ensures a streamlined delivery of hygiene kits, blankets, and other items needed for the coming winter.

During the seven months since the invasion, IOM’s assistance reached almost 170,000 people in the Lviv Region. 

For more information, please contact Varvara Zhluktenko, vzhluktenko@iom.int, +38 067 447 97 92