Attachments
Overview
As we enter the third year of the full-scale war in Ukraine, the situation is expected to become increasingly protracted, particularly in the eastern and southern parts of the country, where shelling and targeted attacks on infrastructure have become a part of daily life. 14.6 million people inside Ukraine will need multisectoral humanitarian assistance, including some 3.7 million people internally displaced by the war. The number of refugees seeking protection across Europe is expected to remain stable at around 5.9 million, with continuing pendular movements between Ukraine and host countries. According to UNHCR intention survey results, nearly 80 per cent of refugees hope to return to Ukraine one day, however just 14 per cent plan to do so in the near future. Security concerns remain paramount, along with access to basic services, housing and livelihoods, for refugees and internally displaced people when deciding whether to return.
The European Union (EU)’s extension of the application of the Temporary Protection Directive (TPD) until March 2025 is a sign of the continued solidarity with refugees from Ukraine across Europe. While notable progress has been observed overall in terms of refugees’ access to services and inclusion in national systems in Europe, people with specific needs including older people, people with disabilities, and those with serious medical conditions are facing increasing challenges and hardship. In some cases, these challenges may compel refugees to make premature decisions to return home to Ukraine, where the situation remains volatile.
To support Governments in responding to the humanitarian needs in Ukraine and in host countries, UNHCR is appealing for USD 993.3 million.
In Ukraine, UNHCR requires USD 599 million to implement its 2024 protection and solutions strategy, focused on two operational priorities: (i) providing life-saving humanitarian assistance to people living in frontline and newly regained areas of the country and; (ii) supporting the Government of Ukraine’s commitment to durable solutions, economic recovery and reconstruction through area-based and participatory approaches with the support of development and other actors. Together with IOM and UNDP, UNHCR will continue to colead the Durable Solutions Steering Committee and the Working Group on Community Planning for Durable Solutions and Recovery. UNHCR plans to reach over 2.7 million people in 2024, with immediate humanitarian assistance, protection, shelter, and cash assistance. At the same time,
UNHCR will support efforts to gradually transition from large-scale humanitarian cash assistance to transitional safety nets in close collaboration with the Government and development actors. UNHCR will provide legal assistance to 207,500 IDPs and returnees to obtain civil status and property documentation in 2024, while 467,500 individuals will be provided with emergency shelter and sustainable housing support.
In refugee hosting countries across Europe, UNHCR requires USD 394.3 million to assist some 700,000 people. UNHCR will maintain its coordination role in support of governments leading the Ukraine Situation Regional Refugee Response Plan (RRP), with over 300 partners in 11 countries, while continuing protection-focused interventions. In line with the 2024 RRP, UNHCR will continue its support to Governments and local authorities in transitioning from humanitarian assistance to the effective inclusion of refugees in national systems and services. UNHCR’s direct assistance will continue to be aligned with the level of support provided to nationals, through national social protection systems and services. Evidence-based advocacy and capacity-building among government counterparts and humanitarian actors in support of effective refugee inclusion will continue. Amongst the RRP countries, UNHCR will maintain the largest operational presence in Moldova, given the specific vulnerability and needs.
Small-scale, targeted cash for protection programmes and limited stockpiles of core relief items will remain in place in some operations. Given that women and children represent over 80 per cent of the refugee population, activities aimed at preventing and responding to genderbased violence, sexual exploitation and abuse and trafficking, support to child protection response mechanisms and the shaping of related law and policy will remain priority interventions in RRP countries. At community centres, UNHCR and partners will offer activities aimed at fostering inclusion, including language and vocational activities for refugees from Ukraine.
In countries beyond the scope of the RRP, UNHCR will continue liaising with governments receiving and hosting refugees from Ukraine. As of the end of 2023, some 2.77 million refugees from Ukraine are recorded in other European countries in the region1 . UNHCR stands ready to assist the authorities of these countries, as required, particularly to strengthen access to protection services and support with reception, registration, and socio-economic inclusion.
At regional level, UNHCR will continue to provide legislative advice and support policy coordination.