Ukrainian flag at an event where the authors of the initiative inform about the aid cargo that will be sent to Lviv in Ukraine. Photo – Lita Miller, LETA
It’s the second year since Russia launched its massive invasion of Ukraine, sparking the biggest and fastest-growing refugee crisis since World War II. The devastation and damage in Ukraine is shocking. We have all seen the images of women and young children in particular fleeing for their lives, families torn apart, homes destroyed. In addition, millions of people live in uncertainty about what the future holds.
As sudden and massive was the flow of refugees away from the hostilities and Ukraine, the humanitarian response, solidarity and willingness to help refugees across Europe was just as swift and impressive.
Here in Latvia, we witnessed an extremely quick response to the increasing number of immigrants from Ukraine arriving in the country. We have seen how the government, local authorities, civil society and many, many volunteers are working together to welcome people fleeing Ukraine. Latvians have opened their homes and generously donated basic necessities, helping in any way possible. The government has adapted legislation and procedures to better accommodate and integrate refugees into healthcare, education and social protection systems. Non-governmental organizations have quickly intervened and provided emergency humanitarian aid, proving the strength and competence of Latvian civil society.
Compared to Latvia’s size and population, Latvia has accepted and still accepts a very large number of refugees from Ukraine. Although this has naturally put pressure on reception facilities and social protection systems, Latvia’s borders remain open to refugees from Ukraine and accommodation and support are provided. UNHCR believes that this remarkable national commitment deserves praise and recognition.
Latvia’s reaction is also a strong example of European solidarity – and this solidarity is still necessary, because, unfortunately, war, shootings and destruction are still ruining the lives of millions of Ukrainians.
In addition, the situation in Ukraine is still very unpredictable. This means that we must continue to prepare for a situation where more people may leave the country in search of safety, and it may take time for refugees from Ukraine to return home.
Until then, refugees from Ukraine must be integrated into the communities that have welcomed them. They need support to be able to access services such as health care, education and maintenance for a decent life abroad. In order to support the Ministry of the Interior of Latvia and to cooperate closely with non-governmental organizations, UNHCR has launched the Regional Refugee Action Plan, in which Latvia and the other Baltic countries have also been involved. We hope to promote awareness among the international community and donors about the needs of refugees from Ukraine in Latvia and the important work of civil society organizations by supporting the implementation of the government-led plan.
As elsewhere in Europe, in Ukraine, the response and generosity towards refugees from Ukraine should be an important lesson and guidance for how to welcome and welcome refugees and asylum seekers from other countries in the future.
Although the main focus and concern is currently on the situation in Ukraine, we must remember that, unfortunately, there are many other situations in the world where children, women and men are forced to leave their homes due to war, violence, persecution or gross violations of human rights.
There are more than 100 million forcibly displaced people in the world, most of whom are displaced within their own country or in neighboring countries, usually in low- and middle-income countries. This means that more than one percent of people are forcibly displaced, and they all need and deserve the same protection and solidarity. Refugees are refugees, regardless of their nationality, religion, ethnicity, gender or desperate mode of travel and border crossing.
In recent years, UNHCR has expressed great concern about trends across Europe to impose protection restrictions, keep people away from borders and threaten their right to apply for asylum. Although UNHCR has welcomed Latvia’s firm and positive response to refugees from Ukraine, we have simultaneously expressed concern about the difficulties in accessing asylum and protection in the restricted areas.
The right to international protection and respect for human rights are fundamental principles and values determined by international refugee law and human rights norms, as well as European legislation, including the Treaty on European Union, the EU Common Asylum Regulations and the European Convention on Human Rights. Europe must lead the way and set an example. Last year, in response to the invasion of Ukraine, we clearly saw it in practice and reality – humanity and justice go hand in hand.
Thank you to the government and people of Latvia for your commendable reception and protection of refugees from Ukraine. UNHCR hopes that Latvia will continue to make its contribution and continue to provide people fleeing conflicts and persecution with a safe haven and a helping hand so that they can recover and rebuild their lives.
The author is a UNHCR representative in the Nordic and Baltic countries
