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ABOUT
As of May 2023, the war in Ukraine which escalated on 24 February 2022 has displaced more than 8.2 million people out of Ukraine across Europe. Many of them settled in neighbouring countries, including Poland. Most of the refugees in Poland*, about 86% as of early May 2023,2 are women and children. Humanitarian and government actors require more robust information on the protection needs and risks that Ukrainian families with children face in Poland. There is a lack of evidence, particularly from children themselves. IMPACT Initiatives, in partnership with Save the Children International (SCI), conducted a mixed-method child protection (CP) needs assessment in Poland between November 2022 and April 2023. This included child consultations, focus group discussions (FGDs) with caregivers and host community members, key informant interviews (KIIs) with service providers in relevant sectors, as well as a two-round phone survey with caregivers. The research tools were developed together with SCI. The project is funded by Global Affairs Canada, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, and SCI.
Key Findings
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The most reported well-being and safety risks for Ukrainian refugee children in Poland were psychosocial issues, as well as psychological violence.
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Children highlighted family and friends as their most trusted protective factors.
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Host state institutions, especially police, and community organisations were the most important protective factors reported by caregivers.
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Children, caregivers, and service providers stressed the need for better access to health services for refugee households, especially by reducing the cost barrier and long wait time.
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Another priority need reported by children and caregivers was access to a better variety and less expensive extracurricular activities.