Bulgaria

UNHCR cooperates with the Government, civil society, refugee-led organisations, academia and the private sector in Bulgaria to ensure the protection and a better future for displaced and stateless people. In Bulgaria, UNHCR has expanded its support to over 100,000 refugees from Ukraine, with assistance and protection. UNHCR supports the State to strengthen its asylum system in line with international humanitarian standards ahead of the implementation of the European Union's Pact on Asylum and Migration.

UNHCR has expanded its support through various programs aimed at improving access to education, employment and essential services.

UNHCR spearheads inter-agency efforts to address the refugee situation as part of a joint effort to support refugee-hosting countries. In 2024, together with its local partners, UNHCR launched the Compass Network of Protection and Inclusion Centres in six refugee-hosting cities in Bulgaria. The centres promote collective empowerment, inclusion, and social cohesion for refugees and vulnerable host community members. This is done through comprehensive support tailored to their diverse needs.