Lives on Hold: Profiles and Intentions of Refugees from Ukraine
Lives on Hold: Profiles and Intentions of Refugees from Ukraine
Five months since the escalation of the international armed conflict in the country, deadly shelling and missile attacks continue, causing destruction, civilian injuries and deaths. Inside Ukraine, many people who are trapped are unable to meet their basic needs including for food, water, and medicines.
With your ongoing support, UNHCR continues to deliver assistance and services as close as possible to the placed where people are sheltering or have been displaced.
The majority of refugees from Ukraine hope to return home as soon as possible, but around two-thirds expect to stay in their current host countries until hostilities subside and the security situation improves. What does life look like for them? We conducted a survey of almost 5,000 refugees from Ukraine who are living in neighbouring countries, and here is what they told us:
HOW YOU ARE HELPING UNHCR RESPOND TO THIS EMERGENCY
With the help of donors like you, UNHCR’s response has now reached nearly 1.6 million people with protection services, cash assistance, essential items, and shelter support.
HOPE STORIES FROM PEOPLE FORCED TO FLEE
"I just can’t stand aside if I know that I can help."
Disability rights activist Tetiana Barantsova escaped the war in Ukraine in a wheelchair. Now she’s helping others with disabilities to do the same.
Tetiana has been helping people with disabilities escape conflict areas and restart their lives in safety since 2014.
"Tetiana and her colleagues are our angels. They saved our lives," said Olha whom Tetiana helped get away from Luhansk Oblast after a shell landed in their neighbour’s yard. Tetiana worked her contacts with local officials and NGOs in the area and by the next day, Olha and her mother were rescued and they stayed at a rehabilitation center for people with disabilities.
“During all of these years, it was always peaceful, and then war broke out. I’m alone in the house. It was awful.”
As the invasion of Ukraine began, Svetlana’s life changed completely. Her home went from sanctuary to shelter. In order to reach their final destination of Berlin, they first had to travel the 150 kilometre from Mykolaiv through Odesa, and finally to the Palanca border crossing into the Republic of Moldova. There, they were met by UNHCR and its partners. Svetlana was surprised – and relieved – by the reception and hospitality.
“I never expected to see something so well organized... During such difficult times when so many people need help, the services are excellent.”
“Romania is very inspiring for artists like me. Here it’s already blooming, everything. The trees and the landscapes are so beautiful. And I love it.”
Kate’s notebooks are filled with the characters that will populate her games, as well as scenery that will form the world around them. She’s also drawing creativity from the country where her family has found refuge.
Although Kate’s vision and aspirations have been influenced by her experiences as a refugee, her biggest wish remains close to home. “I want to live. I like my life. I want to continue my studies. We all hope that we will all come back to our home one day, and we can build it together.”