Winterization Support for Conflict-Affected Populations in Ukraine ltpgtThrough this intervention, IOM will contribute to addressing urgent winterization needs of conflict-affected populations in Donetsk and Kharkiv oblasts while empowering local partners by building their capacity.  ltbrgtIn line with the priority activities identified in the OCHA Ukraine Winter Response Plan 2023-2024 and the Allocation Strategy, the project will support an estimated 14,280 vulnerable and conflict-affected individuals (4,760 households) in coping with the harsh weather during the 2023-2024 winter. To deliver these results, IOM will work in partnership with active local partners. Beneficiaries will be selected based on the identified needs, with a particular focus on newly accessible and rural areas where vulnerabilities are the highest. ltbrgtAs part of this project, 4,450 households (13,350 individuals) in the heavily war-affected oblasts of Donetsk and Kharkiv will receive solid fuel, distributed by partners, allowing them to maintain the indoor temperature of their residence at an acceptable level. IOM and local partners will be guided by the Shelter Cluster vulnerability criteria in identifying beneficiaries specific vulnerabilities will be considered for older persons, people with disabilities, female headed households, and socio-economically vulnerable households who are at an increased risk of insufficient thermal comfort. Recipient families will receive fuel in line with Shelter Cluster recommendations on quantity. The type of fuel provided will be identified in coordination with local authorities based on appropriate fuel types per area. ltbrgtIn addition, heating appliances – electric heaters or solid fuel stoves – will be distributed to 1,550 households (4,650 individuals) in Donetsk and Kharkiv. The type of heating appliance provided will be based on the identified needs and context, IOM will prioritize solid fuel stoves where applicable and in line with Shelter Cluster recommendations and based on lessons learned during IOM’s 2022-2023 winterization programming. ltbrgtHouseholds receiving heating appliances will largely, but not exclusively (an estimated 80 percent), be the same as those receiving solid fuel as part of this project. This is based on lessons learned from IOM’s programming in the previous winter season and will ensure that families receiving solid fuel do not lack a functioning stove. This results in an estimated total of 4,760 benefiting households (14,280 individuals). ltbrgtThe project will provide in-kind support as access to markets remains difficult in rural and isolated locations close to the frontline and in locations experiencing active hostilities. This is in line with Shelter Cluster recommendations and considering project locations.   ltbrgtAs part of its commitment to meaningful partnerships and effective localization and recognizing the value of a strong civil society in maintaining and enhancing resilience, IOM will work through local partners to deliver this assistance, as a central tenant to this project. IOM will provide capacity building to strengthen their understanding of the principles and practices of humanitarianism. The training topics will be identified following the analysis of a Rapid Capacity Needs Assessment (RCNA) among IOM’s local partners, carried out in July and August 2023, as well as targeted capacity needs assessments among the two partners identified for this project, Angels of Salvation and Implementation of Ideas. ltbrgtIn this way, the project contributes towards the 2023 HRP strategic objective 1, “Provide principled and timely multi-sectoral life-saving assistance to internally displaced people, non-displaced people and returnees, ensuring their safety and dignity.” IOM is already active in the targeted Oblasts and has extensive experience with activities such as those proposed under this action. ltbrgtlt/pgt