UNHCR coordinates the efforts of the international community and all UN agencies offering aid to refugees and supporting their host countries. It also operates in Poland.

We’ve been helping from the very start

2.9 million Ukrainians came to Poland, beginning from February 24^th. They’ve been offered and provided aid from the very first day. Its forms and scope were presented by Minister Marlena Maląg. She discussed all its stages - from ensuring safety, through providing accommodations and food, to the opening of the labor market guaranteed by a special act and inclusion in the system of family, social, health and education benefits.

 “The government coordinates these activities and provides financial support to Poles taking Ukrainians under their roofs and to local governments that carry out commissioned tasks, and to non-governmental organizations” said Minister Maląg.

Child care

Children who come to us from orphanages or those arriving without care of an adult are provided with special support. These solutions were highlighted by Deputy Minister Barbara Socha. She mentioned two established staffs: evacuation and child placement, together with the central hub in Stalowa Wola.

 “By request and in agreement with the Ukrainian side, we’ve been conducting a detailed registration of all minors and their guardians and collecting data on their whereabouts and possible relocation”, explained Deputy Minister Socha. “They do not travel outside Poland without the consent of the Ukrainian side”.

Financial support to be granted

Marin Din Kajdomcaj noted that such a large influx of people in such a short time is an unprecedented condition and must create many problems, for which no one was prepared. At the same time, he expressed his appreciation for the actions taken so far by the Polish authorities and Poles. He announced that the regional plan of action for refugees is starting today. Its budget is USD 1.8 billion, divided between Poland - which is to receive USD 710 million, the Czech Republic, Romania, Hungary and Moldova. Another $2 billion will be allocated to aid inside Ukraine, where 8 million people have relocated.

UNHCR “Blue centers”

UNCHR is also opening its "Blue Centers" in Poland, where Ukrainians can receive financial support, legal assistance and the necessary information. The representative of UNHCR emphasized the need to adapt aid to the specific needs and requirements of particular groups of people - e.g. the elderly or the disabled.

“These comments are in line with the actions already taken by the Polish government, concerning the creation of accurate databases and the introduction of a long-term aid package”, summed up Minister Marlena Maląg.