As part of the non-profit, non-governmental initiative ACAPS, which focuses on monitoring and independent analytics supporting, among other things, humanitarian organization activities, a new report has been created: “Overview of social protection available for refugees from Ukraine.” The report provides information on social security available for refugees from Ukraine who are benefiting from temporary protection in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia.
Insufficient Financial Assistance
The information contained in the report highlights significant aspects regarding access to social assistance, care services, and employment support. The analysis includes the scope and forms of financial support. According to ACAPS research, state-provided financial assistance for Ukrainian refugees in all six countries is insufficient to meet basic needs and cover necessary expenses. For instance, benefits for a single adult with two children, even when combined with the minimum wage, cover only from one-tenth (Moldova) to half (Czech Republic and Romania) of the cost of living in the host country. Meanwhile, single refugees relying on pensions from Ukraine, even if they receive benefits in the host country, can cover only 11-35% of living costs.
Groups Requiring Enhanced Social Protection
The report identifies groups particularly at risk of lacking adequate social protection. These include the elderly, people with disabilities, Roma, stateless individuals, women aged 50 and over, as well as youth and men at risk of social exclusion. Actions to improve their situation are crucial for the effective integration of Ukrainian refugees.
Check the “Support for Vulnerable Groups” category on our 👉 MAP and browse through initiatives available for individuals with special needs.
Employment Challenges
ACAPS research and analysis also highlight the employment challenges faced by refugees. The lack of free language courses, insufficient numbers of places in care facilities and preschools, and the absence of procedures for recognizing professional qualifications obtained in Ukraine limit employment opportunities. This, in turn, leads to an increased demand for social benefits.
Barriers to Accessing Benefits
According to the report, the main obstacle to accessing benefits and social services is the lack of sufficient information in languages understandable to refugees. Additionally, in some countries, the limited capacity of public administration and specific procedures hinder access to social security. Cross-sector collaboration and the integration of humanitarian aid with national social security systems become key to improving this situation.
In light of these findings, it is essential to undertake coordinated actions both at the national and international levels to effectively support refugees from Ukraine. Only through close cooperation and targeted actions can conditions conducive to full integration and social security for those forced to leave their country in the face of war be created.
Check the Full Report Content
If you are interested in the ACAPS report, you can familiarize yourself with its full content (available in English) by clicking on the link below. We also encourage you to check out other analyses related to the war in Ukraine and the situation of Ukrainian refugees.