Temporariness vs. Integration of Internally Displaced Persons under Uncertainty: The Case of Border Territorial Communities in Zakarpattia
Abstract
Introduction. The integration of internally displaced persons (IDPs) into host communities has become a pressing issue in Ukraine due to ongoing war and large-scale displacement. Understanding the factors that facilitate or hinder integration is critical for designing effective policies and interventions that support IDPs’ social, economic, and cultural adaptation. This study examines IDP integration in the border communities of Berehove District, Zakarpattia Region, with a focus on community participation, satisfaction with basic needs, and the role of host community authorities and residents. The main objective is to identify determinants of integration under conditions of uncertainty and temporary displacement.
Methods. The study employed a survey-based approach targeting registered IDPs across several border communities, combined with comparative cross-contextual interpretation. The questionnaire included thematic blocks on demography, self-assessment of satisfaction with key needs (housing, employment, social assistance, education, and health services), migration intentions, evaluation of local authorities’ activities, and participation in community life. Participation in community life was used as the primary indicator of integration. The data were analyzed to identify patterns of basic needs satisfaction, barriers to participation, and the influence of local institutional and socio-cultural factors on integration.
Results. Findings show that IDPs vary in their readiness to integrate, depending on employment conditions, satisfaction with basic services, and socio-cultural and institutional contexts of host communities. Employment satisfaction emerged as a key factor facilitating participation, while informal employment and lack of stable jobs hindered integration. Housing satisfaction, while relevant to well-being, did not directly determine community participation. Institutional mechanisms, such as local IDP councils and integration strategies, created structural opportunities for engagement, but actual integration depended strongly on the attitudes of local residents and authorities. Social media and community organizations were found to be the main channels for socio-cultural integration. Perceptions of temporary displacement and migration intentions further shaped integration pathways.
Conclusions. IDP integration is multidimensional, combining access to resources with the openness of host communities. Satisfaction with employment and health services strongly underpins engagement, whereas informal employment represents a barrier. Institutional support alone is insufficient: local attitudes, socio-cultural interaction, and opportunities for participation play decisive roles. The study highlights the importance of tailoring integration policies to local contexts and addressing both structural and socio-cultural dimensions to enhance the integration of IDPs.
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