Informing humanitarians worldwide 24/7 — a service provided by UN OCHA

Romania + 2 more

UNICEF Romania refugee response – facts and figures (June 2023)

Attachments

Our vision: from emergency response to protection for all

• UNICEF’s response makes an integral part of the two overarching frameworks: 2023 Interagency Refugee Response Plan and the Government of Romania Response Plan – with focus on children and families.

• Ukraine refugee response started at the onset of the war in Ukraine with the establishment of Blue Dot safe spaces along the borders to provide immediate assistance to the refugees arriving in Romania.

• The response has transitioned from a primarily emergency one to a wider framework for the protection of all vulnerable populations through integrated service models run by the local communities and authorities. Municipalities are being supported to access European Union funding to provide more sustainable response.

• The concept of Blue Dots – the highlight of the response previously – is now in the process of transitioning towards a ‘Blue Grid’ approach involving a progressive handover of key response activities to local social protection authorities.

• As part of the refugee population settled inside the country, the response adapted and expanded to new areas to accommodate the developing needs of refugees: systems of education, health, and social protection.

• The integration of refugees is the ongoing phase of the response with the aim of gradually progressing into their long-term social inclusion.

• Lessons learnt, experience and knowledge built as part of the response to the Ukraine refugee crisis transcend the boundaries of Romania and can be a starting point for cross-border system strengthening as part of long-term emergency preparedness and response.