Kubrakov: Ukraine, UN to create Community Recovery Fund

“It envisages the establishment of a Community Recovery Fund, which is a key step towards long-term recovery and community resilience. Its priorities will include the restoration of housing, critical and social infrastructure, as well as humanitarian demining and support for local businesses,” the Government portal informs.

It is planned to mobilize USD 300 million over the next five years. The initial seed funding is USD 50 million.

Kubrakov noted that successful recovery is impossible without continuing the decentralization reform.

“We understand that today many communities do not have the capacity to cope with the challenges on their own. Our task is to provide all the necessary institutional, financial and advisory support to strengthen communities. To this end, we are already creating a regional structure of support teams that will help communities cope with the challenges of recovery," the Deputy Prime Minister said.

According to Denise Brown, the United Nations and the Government of Ukraine have already demonstrated the success of the community-centered approach in the recovery of Kharkiv and the de-occupied town of Izium in Kharkiv region, where central and local authorities, the UN and the public are jointly restoring damaged infrastructure.

As noted, the UN helps communities to clear mines, deal with the consequences of the destruction, and rebuild housing, schools, and medical facilities.

“The Organization is also working with the Government to provide basic services to those who remain in the affected communities. The Ministry and the UN will also work together to prioritize projects initiated by communities and agreed upon in public consultations with their residents,” the Government added.