Statement 

by Minister of Social Policy, Family, and Unity of Ukraine 

H.E. Mr. Denys Uliutin at the general debate of

the second International Migration Review Forum

(7 May 2026)

Excellencies, distinguished colleagues,

We all must adapt to a new reality: migration today is not shaped only by economic opportunity. Security has become one of the major drivers of human mobility. 

War, attacks on civilian infrastructure and repeated shocks increasingly shape where people live, work and raise their children.

Ukraine knows this reality firsthand. Because of the Russian armed aggression, millions of Ukrainians have experienced different forms of mobility:

– internal displacement, 

– temporary protection abroad, 

– return to Ukraine, 

– and sometimes repeated movement depending on the security situation. 

These are different legal realities, and we should not confuse them. But for people and for governments, they are connected in daily life.

Our response has been to build migration governance around connection, protection and recovery.

Inside Ukraine, 

– we are strengthening support for internally displaced persons through targeted assistance, employment pathways, housing support and integration into host communities;

– we are expanding community-based services, including Resilience Centres that provide psychosocial support, social services and practical assistance close to where people live.

For Ukrainians abroad, our objective is to maintain connection with the state and with Ukrainian society:     

– through Unity Hubs, we are creating accessible points of contact for information, services and engagement. 

– through the Ukrainian Diaspora Alliance, we are strengthening community ties, skills exchange and investment links.

We are also investing in digital solutions. Modern platforms can help people:

– access services remotely, 

– understand return options, and 

– navigate reintegration opportunities in employment, housing and education.

This experience leads us to several broader conclusions.

First, portability of social protection is now essential for human resilience. People should not lose connection to their earned rights, pensions, contribution records, disability support or family benefits. 

This requires stronger social protection coordination and trusted information exchange between countries, including on identity verification, insurance records and eligibility data.

Second, countries need sustained investment in social infrastructure. Mobility is managed not only at borders, but in schools, childcare, health systems, employment services and digital public administration. Social infrastructure must be recognized as critical infrastructure.

The Global Compact for Migration gives us a useful framework to discuss these challenges. At the same time, Ukraine’s experience reminds us that mobility in today’s world often cuts across old policy categories.

Ukraine is committed to building a modern system that: 

– supports citizens wherever they are, 

– strengthens communities at home, and 

– creates real conditions for return when circumstances allow.

If mobility is becoming more dynamic and unpredictable, governance must become more practical, more connected and more resilient.

Thank you.

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Photo credit: Lev Radin