EXPERIENCE OF REPRESENTATION OF THE INTERESTS OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS BY NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS

Abstract

The presented study is aimed at identifying the features of representation of the interests of internally displaced persons (IDPs) by non-governmental organizations. IDPs have been identified as vulnerable groups of the population who often become victims of human rights violations, are exposed to danger, face difficulties in meeting basic needs and accessing humanitarian aid. Thus, they need representation of interests to ensure their needs and protect their rights and interests. Attention is focused on the fact that social work specialists should provide a social service to represent interests in accordance with the individual needs of internally displaced persons. An analysis of effective practices of representing the interests of internally displaced persons by non-governmental organizations in Ukraine was carried out. It was found that the main place in the activities of non-governmental organizations is occupied by the collective representation of the interests of IDPs: advocacy campaigns, preparation and lobbying for changes to regulatory documents, work with public opinion, promotion of the unity of IDPs and group trainings in the protection of rights and representation of interests as IDPs themselves, representatives of organizations IDPs, as well as employees and volunteers of organizations that provide assistance to IDPs, integration programs at the community level. At the same time, individual representation of citizens mostly intertwined with the needs of humanitarian assistance and mentally safe living, or, more often, without an assessment of individual needs, informational, advisory and psychological support, and in some situations with support in the defense of rights in court.