Assistance Provided by Local Governments to Internally Displaced Persons with Particular Emphasis on the Needs of Children during Wartime: The Case of Ukraine
Purpose: The article presents the results of empirical research which shows the latest assessment of local government assistance programs and activities for internally displaced persons in Ukraine, with particular emphasis on meeting the needs of children during wartime. It also discusses how local government budgets are allocated to specific activities during wartime and investigates various types of risks associated with war. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study involved a group of 20 local government officials from the city of Lviv and the Lviv region in Ukraine who agreed to participate in the survey. All respondents had experience working in local government under martial law. The study used a diagnostic survey method based on interview and an original set questionnaire entries. The study was conducted in Ukraine in 2025, as part of an academic partnership between Poland and Ukraine. Findings: Due to the war in Ukraine, which has been going on for almost three years, the number of internally displaced persons is increasing, which means that local governments, including the city of Lviv and the Lviv region, are unable to provide full assistance to all those in need due to limited budgetary resources. The decrease in the budgetary resources in the local governments of the Lviv region was particularly visible in 2024. Practical implications: The article presents an updated overview of local government activities in implementing programs and financial measures designed to assist internally displaced persons in Ukraine since the start of the war on its territory. The article lists forms of assistance and provides examples of support programs for displaced persons that help them find a new place to live. The examples of assistance measures listed can be used by other countries around the world that are experiencing armed aggression on their territory. It is also important to note the types of assistance provided to displaced children, as they are the ones who suffer the most from the effects of war. Originality/Value: The authors present original and up-to-date research that shows real actions and aid programs aimed at displaced persons in the city of Lviv and the Lviv region. Despite financial support from both the central budget of Ukraine and abroad, local governments are unable to fully provide assistance to all those in need. This topic is relevant due to the ongoing war and the emergence of new “hotspots” of war around the world. The research conducted provides a basis for the search for new solutions and practical applications.