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Ukraine Situation Regional Refugee Response Plan - Hungary Chapter (January-December 2023) [EN/HU]

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Situation Overview

Since the escalation of the conflict, Hungary has committed to keeping its borders open to people fleeing the war in Ukraine. As of end December 2022, the number of border crossings from Ukraine reported by the Hungarian Border Police totalled over 3.9 million, with 2 million crossings directly from Ukraine and 1.9 million crossings through the Romanian border.1 While the vast majority chose to move onward, some 33,200 individuals have registered for temporary protection in Hungary.2 People who have fled Ukraine due to the war remain in Hungary through different legal statuses, including temporary protection, residence permits and various visa schemes. Pendular movements between Ukraine and Hungary for family visits, retrieving documents, and checking on properties are taking place. It is expected that refugee flows into Hungary will continue in 2023 due to the ongoing conflict. In addition, millions of Ukrainians, uprooted by the war, are facing winter in displacement or are living in damaged homes ill-suited to protect them from the cold, a situation foreshadowing potential additional pressure on neighbouring countries throughout the winter period. Any further significant escalation of the conflict would likely bring on a significant additional influx.

The Government, including local municipalities, host communities and humanitarian actors, in particular charities, local NGOs, and refugee-led organizations, have been engaged in the response from the escalation of the crisis, rapidly scaling up reception capacity to meet the immediate needs of those arriving at border entry and registration points. The initial response was heavily supported by volunteers and the solidarity of the host community.

Almost one year into the crisis, the influx of refugees from Ukraine is putting pressure on the national system, while solidarity efforts are impacted by price inflation, rising utility costs and cost of living, affecting host communities and refugees alike. In this context, RRP partners will focus their efforts on ensuring a safe and protective environment for vulnerable refugees and their families, in close cooperation with the Hungarian Government, ensuring equitable access to basic assistance and protection of all refugee women, girls, men, boys and persons with specific needs, including Roma refugees. This includes supporting refugee inclusion into national systems and promoting their active participation in the labour market, while ensuring adequate safeguard and protection measures are in place to support those with specific needs and facing heightened protection risks.

The temporary protection status, in principle, allows refugees to access social services, health care and the right to work; however, challenges remain in practice, rendering medium to longer-term solutions for refugees from Ukraine difficult, especially in rural areas.3 In particular, the lack of access to information and language barriers limit refugees’ ability to attain education, employment, and social protection. Challenges relating to the lack of a permanent address, lack of childcare options, and the inability to provide documents also affect social protection, including the regular provision of subsidies from the government. Issues such as the need for psychosocial support and access to subsidized housing have also become pressing.

While targeting refugees, third-country nationals (TCNs) in need of protection, as well as people who are stateless or at risk of statelessness who directly fled the war in Ukraine, the RRP strategy in Hungary also seeks to highlight the significant impact of the war on the host community. Partners pay particular attention to the importance of expanding community resources and services that may be under pressure, with a focus on institutions, services, and facilities used by refugees and members of host communities, to ensure community safety nets can be maintained. Supporting the capacity of communities to extend services and assistance to refugees is essential to maintain continued support and ensure refugees can continue to seek safety in Hungary.