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Brussels, Belgium, 2 March 2023 —  One year ago  - on 4 March 2022 - the Council of the EU activated the Temporary Protection Directive (TPD) for the first time since it was adopted in 2001. This landmark decision allowed millions of refugees from Ukraine to immediately access protection, rights and essential services inside the European Union. Since then, almost 4.9 million people, the majority of them women and children, have benefited from temporary protection or similar national schemes across Europe.

However, a year since it was activated, 70% of Ukrainians hosted in neighbouring countries still cannot meet their basic needs. This leaves women and girls at particular risk of violence and abuse as they seek basic services or stay in unvetted public accommodation. Meanwhile, most children - who account for nearly 40% of refugees from Ukraine - are not enrolled in schools.

19 NGOs who are working to provide humanitarian assistance inside Ukraine, to refugees who have fled the country and their host communities are calling for the EU and its member states to ensure continued support for refugees from Ukraine by prioritising six key steps:

1. Address barriers preventing people from enjoying their status and rights;
2. Protect children and ensure they are in school;
3. Protect non-Ukrainians, stateless people and Roma fleeing Ukraine;
4. Prevent EU states from backsliding on support;
5. Promote the equal treatment of refugees;
6. Invest in refugee inclusion and longer-term solutions from the start.

- signed by organisations including the ̽����ѡ, Oxfam, Save the Children and Caritas Europa.

Harlem Désir, ̽����ѡ’s Senior Vice President, Europe, says:

“Over the last 12 months, the Temporary Protection Directive has offered a lifeline to millions of people forced to flee Ukraine. The decision to extend this to 2024 was a vital step, but the priority now must be to ensure it is put into practice in a way that sets up all those fleeing the war to thrive in their new communities, no matter what their background, economic means or nationality. When properly implemented, the TPD is a glowing example of how the EU can treat refugees and displaced people with dignity and respect. However, it is concerning that we are witnessing certain setbacks in the implementation of temporary protection in some EU states. Without careful attention, there’s a risk that good intentions will be squandered and Europe will inadvertently fail those most in need.

"With no end to the war in sight, EU leaders must make good on their strong commitments to refugee protection. The reality is that people fleeing this brutal war will continue to need access to housing, work, education and mental health support - not just in the near future, but the long-term. This is also important for the cohesion of host communities and the continued support of EU populations towards refugees. Nobody should be stripped of their rights under the TPD, regardless of their residency status or whether they have returned to the country to see family or visit their homes.
 
The success of the implementation of the TPD this year, and the lessons learned, should set the bar for the treatment of people fleeing other similarly harrowing contexts who deserve the same protections. As the war in Ukraine enters its second year, EU leaders must invoke the true spirit of this powerful piece of legislation and ensure that its warm welcome becomes the norm for all people seeking protection in Europe - not an exception.”