Strengthening Communication with Internally Displaced Persons in Ukraine

This project aims to increase the quantity and quality of essential information going to the over 1.4 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Ukraine due to the conflict the hosting communities and other conflict-affected communities through local media. The project is implemented in eastern and southern Ukraine where IDPs are concentrated to empower IDPs to seek needed assistance and make informed decisions about their lives. The project helps hosting communities to gain better understanding of the conflict and alleviate the tension with the IDPs to ultimately help foster rehabilitation and reconciliation. Activities include: (1) establishing communication links between aid agencies local government and crisis-affected population via the local media; (2) facilitating the production of "news-you-can-use" content relevant to the target audience by working closely with local media partners; (3) providing training to journalists on conflict-sensitive reporting to avoid misinformation hate speech and incendiary reporting in covering issues related to those affected by the conflict; (4) training and mentoring partner media to improve their management capabilities and integration of gender equality principles; and (5) facilitating communication and information sharing between local and international aid groups national and local government officials media and IDP representatives.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) increased volume of accurate media reports on issues affecting the displaced population and host communities increased due to better access to information and financial support; and (2) improved quality and availability of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) related media content due to improved journalist skills improved organizational capacity of media and better communication among stakeholders.