August 2015:

1,438,000 registered IDPs across Ukraine

IDPs feel abandoned by the Ukrainian government

People are trapped, shocked and traumatized, they have information needs that are not being met

Social tensions, discrimination and stigmatization are on the rise

Rapid assessment

Situation assessment

A dearth of News-You-Can-Use

Over-reported war, under-reported humanitarian crisis

Independent, impartial voices have been stifled – lack of feedback loop

Journalists lack skills in conflict and humanitarian reporting

Government responseThe Ukrainian government is not reaching out to the East

Lack of clarity and contradictions in the Government’s IDP legislation and assistance mechanisms – new humanitarian law to be finalized soon (October 2015?)

No feedback loop with IDPs – no visits

Humanitarian OrganizationsCivil society is at the forefront of the humanitarian response, organizing online – local organizations need more supportSolidarity is not endless: negative attitudes to IDPs are increasingInternational assistance slow in scaling up, IPDs want to talk to volunteers

RECOMMENDATIONS

Improve the flow of critical information to internally-displaced and conflict-affected populationsStrengthen coordination between humanitarian organizations and media operating in eastern and southern Ukraine

WHAT

HOWIncrease production and dissemination of content specifically for IDP and conflict-affected communities (news-you-can-use)

Improve production of news related to the conflict, delivery of government services, and the efforts of humanitarian actors

Establish efficient communications and coordination between humanitarian actors and the media

Very diverse media landscape in Ukraine

Task: identify best partners with the highest possible degree of professionalism andthe best outreach

Media supportHelp targeted media produce multimedia news-you-can-use

Deploy a Humanitarian Liaison Officer (HLO) and a Local Media Liaison Officer (LML)

Roundtables / Town Hall events for all stakeholders

Media training: safety, conflict-reporting, travel grants, humanitarian crisis-reporting

ContactChris SchueppHumanitarian Liaison OfficerInternews EuropeKyiv, UkraineTel: +380 95 6782746Email: cschuepp@internews.org