Attachments
Context & Rationale
Since the start of the full-scale war in 2022, Ukraine has continued to face widespread internal displacement. Around 3.8 million people remain displaced within the country as of July 2025¹. Collective sites (CSs), housing approximately 72,000 people, have evolved from emergency shelters into long-term accommodation for Ukraine’s most vulnerable displaced populations. Many residents of CS are older people, persons with disabilities, or households with limited economic resources. These groups face compounded challenges in securing employment and transitioning to independent housing arrangements.
The assessment seeks to understand the social characteristics, needs, and circumstances of internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in CSs. Results may be used to inform further humanitarian planning and guide targeted interventions for vulnerable IDP populations.
Key Findings
• Adult IDPs in CSs were mostly women (75%) and older people (51%) in the situation of protracted displacement, reflecting an ageing displaced population with limited prospects of attaining self-reliance.
• Most adult IDPs in CSs (60%) reported psychological challenges, increasing to 74% in Eastern war-affected areas. One in five adult respondents reported disabilities, identified by WG-SS (Washington Group Short Set²).
• Over half (56%) of working-age IDPs reported being employed, yet their full labour force participation was constrained by caregiving responsibilities (53%). IDPs over 60 mostly relied on pensions (87%) and IDP allowance (62%).
• Unaffordable housing was the primary barrier to leaving CSs (cited by 72% of IDPs), with 88% of residents planning to stay in these facilities in the long term.