EU and UNDP help set up ‘Little Mariupol’ centre for displaced Ukrainians in Dnipro

The EU and UNDP have helped to open a centre in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, where internally displaced people from the most war-affected areas will receive support.

The centre was established by the NGO ‘Heavenly Fortress’, relocated from the war-ravaged Ukrainian city of Mariupol.

Previously, the NGO provided humanitarian assistance to some 2,000 IDPs in Dnipro on a daily basis. Now fully operational and ready to serve those in need, the centre will be able to expand its reach to more than 100,000 IDPs and local residents in Dnepr. The centre will offer services ranging from organising art events and exhibitions to providing legal and psychological assistance to displaced people. Thanks to EU and UNDP support, the centre already has a spacious co-working space and a Ukrainian library.

Heavenly Fortress head Kyrylo Dolimbaev said the idea behind the centre was to take care of the needs of displaced people while introducing the public to the diverse culture of his native Mariupol.

“The Open space – Little Mariupol – is a place where the big heart of Mariupol beats,” he said. “We really wanted to create a place where everyone can feel at home. I hope that we’ve made it happen.”

Frederik Coene, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Ukraine, said he believes the centre will be a great success in the city, and will contribute to the better integration of IDPs into their new community: “The opening of this residence clearly shows that no military weapon can ever destroy the authentic Ukrainian culture.”

With funds provided by the European Union under the UN Recovery and Peace-building Programme, the UNDP has purchased furniture and technical equipment for the facility worth over 600,000 hryvnias (US$20,000).

Find out more

Press release