Romania, as well as Poland and Republic of Moldova, has been one of the most chosen destination by the Ukrainian citizens trying to escape the war started by Russian Federation troops last year.
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has launched a new communication campaign in Romania, focusing on the ways in which refugees from Ukraine are finding hope in Romania and contributing to the Romanian society. The “Born in Ukraine. Finding hope in Romania” campaign aims to boost inclusion and social cohesion.
The campaign launched today builds on the unprecedented response of Romanians in welcoming refugees from Ukraine. It aims to reflect their realities in Romania and showcase how they are contributing to society with their knowledge and skills.
The campaign brings to light the resilience and efforts of Ukrainians to adapt to another country, far away from home, through the inspiring stories of individuals. Their stories – from school years to older adults – show the challenges and adversities they overcame in fleeing their country and adapting to their new lives in Romania.
Many refugees from Ukraine vividly recall the warm welcome they received from Romanians and are grateful for the opportunity to integrate, helping to enhance the Romanian society through their skills and expertise, but also through cultural exchanges, and developing a sense of community with the people of Romania.
“This campaign is the story of forging bonds between refugees and their host community. The wave of solidarity and the immense generosity shown by Romanians will remain in everyone’s memory. Romanians helped Ukrainians when they needed it most. We see everyday examples of welcoming communities and we are confident that Romanians will continue to support refugees on their gradual path towards inclusion. Today, Ukrainians are contributing to the well-being of the country that welcomed them with open arms and expressing their appreciation with an honest <Thank you!>”, stated Pablo Zapata, UNHCR Representative in Romania.
The campaign, run on social media, media and through outdoor messaging, will highlight all that has been achieved in the refugee response so far, with a focus on the path ahead, building on the humanity and solidarity of the Romanian people.
Since February 2022, more than 3.7 million refugees crossed the borders from Ukraine and Moldova into Romania. As of 30 June 2023, around 94,000 refugees from Ukraine remain in Romania, while the majority moved onwards to other countries. Some 6.3 million refugees fled Ukraine and are now hosted in Europe and beyond.
In 2022, the number of people displaced by war, persecution, violence, and infringements on human rights globally reached a record 108.4 million, increasing 19.1 million from the previous year. For more information see: Global Trends in Forced Displacement 2022.
About UNHCR
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. We lead international action to protect refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. Our vision is a world where every person forced to flee can build a better future. Since 2022, UNHCR in Romania is working with authorities and partners to promote legal and physical protection of refugees. UNHCR’s Protection work includes information provision, communication with communities, identification of people with specific needs and referrals to specialized services, legal counselling on temporary protection and advocacy for inclusion, with tailored interventions for LGBTIQ+ community, people with disabilities, older persons, minorities, and women and girls at risk.
Since the onset of the crisis, UNHCR’s response provided 110,000 refugees with information, legal assistance and counselling in person or hotline; delivery of multi-purpose cash assistance to more than 23,600 refugees; and the distribution of more than 245,000 core relief items, including blankets, winter clothes and hygiene kits to meet the immediate needs of the most vulnerable refugees.
Pictures courtesy of UNHCR Romania
