Assessment of problems and needs of the population in de-occupied communities as a basis for planning humanitarian programs

Анотація

The full-scale war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine has caused large-scale social, economic and humanitarian losses that are particularly evident in territorial communities that were under temporary occupation and were later de-occupied during military operations. After de-occupation, such communities face a complex set of problems related to the destruction of infrastructure, demographic losses, mass displacement of the population, disruption of the social service delivery system, a high level of psychosocial traumatization and a decline in social cohesion. In these circumstances, assessing the problems and needs of the population of de-occupied communities becomes especially important as a necessary prerequisite for planning effective humanitarian programmes and recovery initiatives. The purpose of the article is to analyse the specific features and challenges of assessing the problems and needs of the population of de-occupied communities in the context of humanitarian programme planning. The study is based on theoretical methods, including the analysis of scientific literature and the generalisation of humanitarian response practices, as well as on the results of focus group discussions conducted with social work professionals, representatives of non-governmental organisations and local activists from the de-occupied Velykooleksandrivska territorial community. The article substantiates the importance of systematic needs assessment as a basis for identifying priorities for humanitarian assistance and designing social support programmes. The main challenges arising in the process of assessing the needs of de-occupied communities are identified, including the limited availability of reliable statistical data, difficulties in determining the current population size, a high level of psychosocial trauma among residents, reduced trust in institutions, as well as the complex and dynamic nature of problems that combine social, economic, psychological and security dimensions. The study emphasises the importance of applying people-centred and trauma-informed approaches in the process of collecting information about the needs of the population, as well as the relevance of combining quantitative and qualitative research methods, including sociological surveys, focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with community representatives and social sector professionals. Particular attention is paid to the importance of involving local authorities, civil society organisations, volunteer initiatives and community members in the process of needs assessment and humanitarian programme planning. It is concluded that effective assessment of the problems and needs of the population of de-occupied communities is an important tool for developing evidence-based humanitarian programmes aimed at restoring social infrastructure, supporting vulnerable population groups, strengthening social cohesion and enhancing community resilience to crisis challenges.

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