Poland shows record-setting solidarity with refugees in 2024, with their highest contribution ever to UNHCR
17.01.2025
Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Poland has demonstrated unprecedented solidarity with refugees from Ukraine, spending billions of dollars to ensure that refugees have access to education, healthcare, and social welfare on par with Polish citizens. At the same time, Poland has stepped up on the world stage to support UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency Agency’s operations in Sudan, Ukraine, Syria, and Armenia, contributing over USD 3.7 million in 2024 – a record amount for Poland.
“In a world where war rages on and persecution persists, it is encouraging to see Poland step up its humanitarian assistance globally,” said Kevin J. Allen, UNHCR Representative in Poland. “Building upon an exemplary response to the Ukrainian refugee crisis, I am hopeful that Poland will increasingly exercise its humanitarian leadership internationally — including in the EU, where complex asylum issues loom and UNHCR is ready to support.”
“Since the outbreak of the Russian war of aggression on Ukraine Poland’s main priority has been providing multilayered aid to Ukraine and Ukrainians. With Poland’s contribution of USD 1 million to UNHCR’s shelter cluster in Ukraine in 2024, we aim to provide critical assistance to those affected by the war and help to reinforce protection, resilience and dignity, especially now with the cold season.” stated Undersecretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland, Mr. Jakub Wiśniewski.
Almost three years after the start of the full-scale war, the humanitarian needs of the civilian population in Ukraine are only growing, and the winter combined with intensifying Russian attacks on key infrastructure are further exacerbating them. The United Nations estimate that overall, more than 12 million people in Ukraine need humanitarian assistance.
UNHCR in Ukraine has been on the humanitarian front line since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. Together with partner organizations, UNHCR have supported millions of people, helping them repair damaged homes, including with support right after attacks, providing cash assistance to the most vulnerable, and ensuring legal aid and psychosocial support.
In December 2024, Poland also made a much-needed contribution to support people fleeing Lebanon and crossing into Syria. Following the escalation of hostilities in Lebanon after 23 September 2024, tens of thousands of people crossed into Syria, placing immense pressure on the local communities in a country which has been one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world since 2011.
This latest contribution complements earlier pledges to support people displaced by the war in Sudan and newly arrived refugees in Armenia. Altogether, this brings Poland’s contribution to UNHCR to a record USD 3.7 million in 2024.
This generous support comes at a crucial time when humanitarian funding is not keeping pace with the growing needs. UNHCR’s Global Appeal asks donors for $10.248 billion in funding for 2025 to support forcibly displaced and stateless people, the majority living close to their countries of origin.