Public Consultations on Developing the Fundamental Principles of Housing Policy in Ukraine

The Committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on the Organization of State Power, Local Self-Government, Regional Development and Urban Planning, in collaboration with the Ministry of Restoration of Ukraine and experts from the UN4UkrainianCities project, recently held a series of public consultations. These sessions were designed to collect feedback and suggestions from key stakeholders concerning the initiatives proposed in a draft law of Ukraine, “On the Fundamental Principles of Housing Policy”.

These consultations took place over three sessions on 9, 16 and 23 April 2024, drawing participation from around 500 stakeholders. Participants included veterans, youth, internally displaced persons, citizens on housing waiting lists, leaders of housing associations, representatives from local self-governments, members of the Ukrainian Parliament, officials from relevant ministries, members of non-governmental organizations focusing on housing policy, international experts in housing, financial institution representatives engaged in housing policy, and legal experts.

During the discussions, the project experts highlighted several recurring issues and challenges identified by participants:

- The need to revise outdated legal and regulatory frameworks governing housing policy;

- A lack of public awareness about housing policy and the need for easier access to information on housing rights and opportunities;

- The necessity of establishing a social housing fund to facilitate the development of social rental housing mechanisms;

- The importance of significant participation by local self-government bodies in resolving housing issues, including collaboration with international donors;

- The urgent need for an inventory of the housing stock that could be used for social housing purposes;

- Other pertinent housing concerns.

The process of collecting views and suggestions on the initiatives outlined in the draft law, as well as additional considerations that may inform future legal measures in housing policy, will continue through 5 May 2024, via an online survey in Ukrainian (link to survey).

The feedback obtained through these consultations will play a critical role in refining the mentioned draft law, potentially influencing the development of further legislative frameworks in housing policy.

Public consultations were organised by Olena Shulyak, Head of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on the Organisation of State Power, Local Self-Government, Regional Development and Urban Planning, together with the Ministry for Restoration of Ukraine and in cooperation with “Institute Respublika” NGO.

The UN4UkrainianCities project aims to support Ukraine in crafting a housing policy that not only addresses immediate needs, but also aligns with the long-term principles outlined in the UN Geneva Charter on Sustainable Housing, the 17 SDGs, the New Urban Agenda, the Housing Partnership Action Plan for the EU, and the Guidelines for the Implementation of the Right to Adequate Housing.

Written by Nataliia Korotchenko.