Every year, on June 20, the world recognizes the courage and strength of people who have been forced to flee their home countries. Find out more about how the war in Ukraine has led to one of the largest migration waves

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Every year on June 20, the whole world honors the strength and courage of people who have been forced to leave their countries to escape wars or persecution. Here's how russia's full-scale war against Ukraine provoked one of the largest migrations since World War II.

History of refugee status

In 1951, the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees was signed in Geneva in accordance with the UN General Assembly resolution of December 14, 1950. The document, which entered into force 4 years later, establishes the general grounds on which refugee status is granted.

The document clearly states that the Convention prohibits any discrimination against refugees.

International Refugee Day has been celebrated since June 20, 2001 - this year the UN document turned 50.

The largest refugee migration since World War II

After the outbreak of russia's full-scale war against Ukraine in February 2022, Ukrainians began to flee their homes en masse in search of safe haven abroad.

According to Katharina Lampp, a representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Germany, it was the russian invasion of Ukraine that provoked the largest wave of refugees since World War II.

It is worth noting that, according to sociologists, 8.6 million Ukrainians have left and never returned since February 24, 2022. At the same time, according to UN estimates, this figure is 8.2 million people, of whom more than 5 million are officially registered under European protection programs.

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Which countries have sheltered Ukrainians?

Most Ukrainian citizens have found refuge in Poland (1.6 million) and Germany (about 1 million). These countries provided shelter to Ukrainian citizens fleeing the war.

Many Ukrainians are also now living in other European countries, such as Italy, Spain, France, Great Britain, Hungary, Romania, the Netherlands, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Spain, and Finland.

Often, refugees from Ukraine face problems and difficulties while away from home. In particular, some of them find themselves without recognition of their refugee status in the countries where they arrive. This creates obstacles to getting the help they need and accessing basic services such as education and medical care.

By the way, if you are abroad and want to be sure of receiving proper medical care, you should take out health insurance that covers insured events. An insurance policy guarantees medical services that we are used to receiving at home.

We advise you to purchase health insurance in advance to protect yourself from troubles abroad and save money on treatment.

Refugee Day in 2023 is dedicated to the role of inclusion and solutions for refugees

The UN notes that including refugees in the communities where they have found safety by fleeing conflict and persecution is the most effective way to support them in their attempts to start a new life and enable them to contribute to the development of their host countries.

"It is also the best way to prepare them to return home and rebuild their countries when conditions allow them to do so safely and voluntarily, or to integrate successfully if they are resettled elsewhere," the United Nations emphasizes.

We remind you! Since the beginning of the full-scale war, more than 18 million Ukrainians have traveled abroad. However, time passes and most citizens have returned or are planning to return home. We will tell you what makes refugees return to Ukraine here.

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Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.