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Full-scale Ukraine war enters third year, prolonging uncertainty and exile for millions of displaced

Highlights from UNHCR country offices in Europe

Oxana (45), a resilient Ukrainian refugee, arrived in Moldova in the early weeks of the war with her 4-year-old daughter, Polina, now 6.
UNHCR Moldova: A journey of resilience - A mother-daughter tale of hope
Oxana and Polina, a mother and daughter from Ukraine, sought safety in the Republic of Moldova. “We chose to stay here because it’s close to the border. I hope the war will end as suddenly as it started so I can return home to my husband, and Polya to her father”.


Empowering refugee livelihoods in Albania
UNHCR Albania: Empowering refugee livelihoods in Albania
Despite having the legal right to work in Albania, refugees still encounter various challenges when navigating the job market. UNHCR and partners provide training to refugees to boost their skills for a successful job search.


Being recognised as a refugee in Cyprus has given Mohammed the possibility to live more independently, pursue his education and help others.
UNHCR Cyprus: Recognised refugee from Somalia dreams of a brighter future
“Growing up with a disability in Somalia, you are seen as different,” said Mohammed, a refugee who dreams about a better future in Cyprus. He is learning Greek and aspiring to work in the tourism sector.



What role does UNHCR play in Europe?

UNHCR works to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, asylum-seekers, stateless people and internally displaced persons by providing guidance and support to governments across Europe, collaborating closely with partners, and promoting the best international standards in legislation, policy and procedures.

As the custodian of the 1951 Refugee Convention, UNHCR supports efforts by governments and other stakeholders to ensure access to asylum and to international protection for refugees and asylum-seekers, as well as promoting durable solutions.  UNHCR works to strengthen partnerships with state and non-state actors in order to ensure the inclusion of refugees,  to garner support for both refugees and the communities hosting them, as well as enhancing joint advocacy efforts in the spirit of the Global Compact on Refugees.

With a Regional Bureau in Geneva, Switzerland, and office presence in 36 European countries, UNHCR is covering 49 States, including 27 EU Member States, and one territory in the Europe region.

 

Key global facts and figures

89.3 million people worldwide were forcibly displaced

at the end of 2021 as a result of persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations or events seriously disturbing public order.

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83% are hosted in low- and middle-income countries

Low- and middle-income countries hosted 83 per cent of the world’s refugees and Venezuelans displaced abroad.*

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