Workshop examines leadership and lessons from internal displacement in Ukraine
Researchers, policymakers and displaced Ukrainian leaders gather in Warsaw to discuss action, advocacy and durable solutions to address the displacement crisis in Ukraine
On February 19鈥�20, 2026, researchers, policymakers and civil society leaders gathered at the University of Warsaw for a workshop titled Internal Displacement in Ukraine: Action, Advocacy and Leadership. The event brought together international and Ukrainian experts, including numerous internally displaced leaders, to examine lessons from more than a decade of largescale forced migration caused by Russia鈥檚 aggression against Ukraine and to explore strategies for strengthening support for Ukraine鈥檚 4.6 million internally displaced persons (IDPs).
The workshop was co-organized by 海角社区 in collaboration with international partners including the Centre of Migration Research at the University of Warsaw, UNHCR, the Office of the UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons, and Ukrainian organizations including the Congress of IDP Councils, Stabilization Support Services, and the Group of Influence. Opening remarks were delivered by Pawe艂 Kaczmarczyk (University of Warsaw), Megan Bradley (海角社区), and Walter K盲lin (University of Bern and former Representative of the UN Secretary-General on the Human Rights of IDPs), who highlighted the importance of connecting research, policy and lived experience in displacement responses.
This workshop built on SSHRC Insight Grant projects focused on internal displacement, undertaken by Professor Megan Bradley and Professor Jennifer Welsh. These projects have emphasized the importance of engaging displaced people themselves in decision-making processes, and in research on forced migration. In December 2024, Professor Bradley and Professor Welsh co-hosted a workshop at 海角社区 on Strengthening the Participation of Internally Displaced Persons, which brought together IDP leaders from countries including Ukraine, Colombia, Honduras, Ethiopia, Nigeria and Iraq. Through this event, Professor Bradley and Professor Welsh have built partnerships with displaced Ukrainian leaders, which were the foundation for the gathering in Warsaw鈥攐ccurring just before the four-year anniversary of Russia鈥檚 full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Over two days, participants examined how internal displacement in Ukraine has evolved, and how displaced communities have played a central role in shaping responses. The workshop emphasized the leadership of IDPs themselves, particularly through the development of IDP Councils and other mechanisms that enable displaced people to participate directly in decision-making and advocacy. Researchers shared new findings on diaspora support for Ukrainian IDPs, recurrent displacement, housing challenges, and the situation of Roma communities both as displaced persons and as hosts. These discussions underscored the diversity of displacement experiences and the need for policies that reflect the realities faced by different groups.
Participants also examined cooperation between government institutions, international organizations and civil society in addressing displacement. Panels addressed issues including humanitarian assistance, election participation for IDPs, transitional justice processes and the role of donors in supporting inclusive responses. Speakers highlighted how collaboration between national authorities, international actors and community-based organizations has helped strengthen protections for displaced populations.
The workshop also explored how intersecting factors such as gender, disability, age, ethnicity and membership in LGBTQ communities shape displacement experiences. These discussions emphasized the importance of inclusive leadership and the need to ensure that diverse voices within displaced communities are represented in policy processes.
The second day focused on reconstruction and durable solutions for Ukrainian IDPs. Participants discussed how IDP leadership can support long-term recovery efforts, including legal mechanisms for compensation and restitution, connections between displaced persons and returning refugees, and community-led reconstruction initiatives. Comparative perspectives shared by IDP leaders from Georgia and Colombia highlighted opportunities for cross-regional learning.
The workshop concluded with a discussion of future research priorities and collaborative initiatives. Planned outputs include a workshop report, policy recommendations and an edited, bilingual (English/Ukrainian) volume aimed at advancing international understanding of internal displacement and strengthening responses that centre IDP leadership.
