Specific features of the legal protection of internally displaced persons in Ukraine during the war

Abstract

The article examines the specific features of the legal protection and internal migration dynamics of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Ukraine during the full-scale war, with particular emphasis on the evolution of their legal status, settlement patterns, and regional disparities in access to rights and services. The study analyses the regulatory framework established by the Law of Ukraine “On Ensuring the Rights and Freedoms of Internally Displaced Persons” and key governmental acts adopted after 2022, highlighting the transformation of state support mechanisms and the growing role of digital governance tools such as Diia. Special attention is given to the administrative challenges associated with repeated displacement, fragmented social service provision, and the uneven capacity of local governments to accommodate large influxes of displaced populations. The article identifies the main internal migration routes formed since the beginning of the war, demonstrating that IDPs predominantly settle in the western and central regions of Ukraine due to higher security, greater availability of social infrastructure, and stronger municipal support systems. Using current analytical data from IOM, UNHCR, and recent academic studies, the research shows that settlement patterns are shaped by a combination of safety considerations, labour market opportunities, housing availability, and established community networks. The study also reviews the legal and administrative difficulties that IDPs face in host regions, including disparities in financial assistance distribution, unequal access to social housing, inconsistencies in local registration procedures, and challenges in accessing medical and educational services. These problems reveal systemic vulnerabilities in Ukraine’s internal displacement governance model, especially in regions experiencing the highest population inflows. Despite significant progress in legislative development, the protection of IDPs remains affected by local capacity gaps, digital inequality, and the need for stronger interregional coordination. The article concludes that the long-term stabilisation of IDP status in Ukraine requires further harmonisation of legal norms, enhanced municipal support mechanisms, and sustainable integration policies tailored to the needs of displaced communities. Strengthening institutional resilience, expanding housing programmes, and ensuring equal access to rights across regions will be essential to securing durable solutions for millions of displaced Ukrainians during and after the war.