Ukraine-Fastest Growing Refugee Crisis in Europe Since WWII
Ukraine-Fastest Growing Refugee Crisis in Europe Since WWII
Since the war in Ukraine escalated in February, nearly 15 million people have been forced to flee their homes and leave everything behind in scenes reminiscent of the world’s most destructive world war. Over 6 million more Ukrainians have crossed the border into neighbouring Poland, Hungary and Romania. Together, they are confronting the shocking new reality of life as refugees.
just to save my life,”
says Ukrainian kindergarten teacher Valentina while cradling her two-month-old nephew Andrii. After a week-long journey travelling with Andrii, her sister and 8-year-old daughter, covering hundreds of kilometres by bus, train and on foot from the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, Valentina finally arrived on March 5 at the Polish border, where UNHCR is supporting local authorities to provide critical assistance and protection to refugees coming through. The sisters still cannot believe what has happened over such a short time.
© UNHCR/Valerio Muscella
“We were suddenly…refugees,” says Irina, Andrii’s mother, reminiscing about the sound of explosions.
“Our men stayed behind while we took our children to safety.”
The hope of returning home one day is grim for people like Valentina; the devastation of urban centres and the destruction of civilian infrastructure have made life unbearable across large swaths of Ukraine as the war rages on.
“But he will rebuild our country one day,” says Valentina as she eyes and hugs her nephew.
“He is our Maybutnye - our future,” she says.
UNHCR’s Emergency Response
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The response to the Ukraine refugee exodus has been an affirmation of the principles at the heart of the Global Compact on Refugees characterized by unprecedented solidarity, collective action and clarity of purpose. At local level, municipalities have made extraordinary efforts to accommodate new arrivals and include them in local services. Grassroots organizations and legions of volunteers have mobilized relief items and welcomed refugees at border crossing points, temporary reception centres and transit hubs. |
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In Neighbouring Countries |
Inside Ukraine |
| Beyond sending emergency experts and stockpiles of essential supplies, we’re present at border areas and reception centres to help identify and provide care to the most vulnerable refugees, setting up helplines and information materials. |
UNHCR has been sending convoys of core relief items (blankets, emergency shelters etc.) and setting up specialist protection services to identify the internally displaced with special needs, such as children travelling alone and people with disabilities. |
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Refugees we have assisted so far:
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IDPs we have aided so far:
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I pledge to stand with Ukrainian refugees and support them in this diffcult time.
