The United Nations has indicated that more than 14,6 million people – 40% of the population in Ukraine – will need humanitarian assistance this year. Added to the onslaught, Ukraine is now in the grip of a deep winter. Supporting the displaced people of Ukraine is as urgent as ever.
The consequences of both internal and external displacement must be carefully assessed in order to design and implement immediate and long-term policy solutions and support. European countries demonstrated their humanity and solidarity in the aftermath of the brutal aggression by the Russian Federation, protecting the lives of millions of displaced Ukrainians, in particular children, women and the elderly, and should continue to do so now.
Parliamentary Assembly Resolution 2448 (2022) “Humanitarian consequences and internal and external displacement in connection with the aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine” and the earlier Resolution 2214 (2018) and Recommendation 2126 (2018) “Humanitarian needs and rights of internally displaced persons in Europe” provide guidance on some of the issues that need to be addressed: for the internally-displaced Ukrainians these include urgent access to housing, education, health care, and for those under temporary protection in Europe and elsewhere existing arrangements can be further evaluated and developed.
The Council of Europe member States can lead the way. According to UN data, the humanitarian response plan covering the needs of internally displaced persons, as well as the immediate protection needs for refugees, was funded at 53% by the end of 2023. The Assembly should raise awareness of the gap in provision and mobilise support to ensure that displaced people of Ukraine, wherever they are, are safe and protected.