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The invasion of Ukraine by Russia on February 24, 2022 triggered a mass displacement crisis, which resulted in millions of people being internally displaced in Ukraine and seeking refuge in neighbouring countries in Europe (8,255,288 – UNHCR) and further afield, including over half a million in North America. The activation of the 2001 European Union (EU) Temporary Protection Directive (TPD) in March 2022 simplified the registration process across EU countries for Ukrainians and groups of non-EU nationals fleeing the conflict, granting them access to legal status, full services and rights while preventing asylum services in Europe from being overwhelmed. However, as the conflict continues, and with the risks of a protracted displacement crisis, concerns about the needs and vulnerabilities of people from Ukraine in Europe are increasing, and data is scarce.
Funded by the UK FCDO and the Swiss FDFA, conducted in partnership with the UNODC Observatory on Smuggling of Migrants, MMC conducted quantitative data collection with 1,612 people who fled Ukraine and are currently in Warsaw, Bern and Berlin, focusing on their journey, drivers and aspirations, potential discrimination in the city, assistance and needs, livelihoods and income, and long-term migration intentions. To complement quantitative data collection, MMC also conducted 33 in-depth key informant interviews with community leaders, researchers, policy makers, representatives of NGOs, and local and national authorities.
The findings of this research project will be published in a series of three briefing papers and will be presented in this webinar. The implications of the research for practitioners, policy makers and civil society will be discussed with asylum and migration experts in the region. The webinar will be recorded and shared with all registrants. We look forward to your participation!
Agenda
Welcome and Introduction
Jana Röthlisberger, Programme Manager, Peace and Human Rights Division, Swiss Federal Department of Foreign AffairsRoberto Forin, Acting Head of MMC Europe
Presentation of Research Findings for the three cities
Maxime Giraudet, 4Mi Project Manager of MMC Europe
Panel Discussion: implications of the research for practitioners, policy makers and civil society
Moderator: Roberto Forin, Acting Head of MMC Europe
- Implications for policy making and counter smuggling: Claire Healy, Head of the UNODC Observatory on Smuggling of Migrants
- Implications for operational responses: Helena Lassen, Poland Country Director, Danish Refugee Council
- Reflections from local actors: Anastasiia Scholtz, community outreach manager at the Swiss Red Cross Bern, and Dr. Marcus Engler, Migration Researcher at the DeZIM Institut Berlin
- Reflections from Ukrainian civil society organization: Olena Krylova, Ukraine Schweiz Bern, Bern
Q&A and Closing