This workstream focuses on creating a safe environment by strengthening the capacity of territorial communities to build effective social ties and enhance cohesion and resilience.
IMiP understands community safety in a broad sense. In our view, it includes not only existing CCTV systems, street patrols, fire safety and road safety, access to health care facilities and other security mechanisms, but also components such as:
- community cohesion and a high level of trust;
- effective communication among stakeholders;
- police–community cooperation and residents’ involvement in solving local problems;
- the leadership potential of community members;
- the integration of vulnerable social groups into the community.
In this area, IMiP's current activities are aimed at addressing the consequences of the war. To this end, a national network of 17 civil society partner organizations was created, which, among other things, organize and facilitate dialogue involving civil society.
From 2017 to 2022, experts from IMiP and partner organizations developed the Methodology for Analyzing Security Risks and Community Security Potential. About 100 communities used this methodology to analyze and develop relevant security strategies using dialogue tools. Around 10 strategies became part of local policy — that is, they were approved as local programs by municipal councils.
In 2018 IMiP drew up a map of conflict potential and needs of 20 local communities in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts. In addition, we helped over 30 communities develop individual development plans and build capacity to implement security initiatives and counter polarization.
IMiP works to increase community safety through:
- building community capacity to design and implement safety programs;
- enhancing community expertise on security issues;
- establishing communication and cooperation among key stakeholders who influence security development;
- enhancing the community's adaptability to challenges.
One of IMiP's main tasks in shaping community security is increasing their resilience to security risks in the medium and long term.
Such a comprehensive approach allows us to see the broader picture of community development, in which security is a component of stable economic growth and a guarantee of social well‑being.
We are also convinced that a strategy/program for creating a safe environment is, first and foremost, a community risk management strategy. Paying attention to security challenges and seeking potential "growth points" within the community's strategic development directions have become our priorities.
In 2016, 2017 and 2019 IMiP trained specialists and supported pilot veteran reintegration programs in Chuhuiv, Kharkiv, Ivano‑Frankivsk and five other communities. A study on war veterans' reintegration in these communities was also conducted within the Folke Bernadotte Academy's "Local Governance and Rule of Law in Ukraine" project.