Humanitarian overview
NRC and operational partners estimate upwards of two million refugees will remain in Poland for the foreseeable future. A particular group affected by the war in Ukraine are Third Country Nationals (TCNs) who fled from the conflict in Ukraine, having resided there prior to 24 February 2022, but are not eligible for the rights and benefits under the EU Temporary Protection Directive.
In addition, needs also exist at the Polish-Belarus border, which has seen an increased influx of migrants and asylum seekers into Polish territory since the end of 2021.
NRC's operations
Shelter
In cooperation with the City of Warsaw, NRC established a transit site at the East Warsaw train station for people fleeing the war in Ukraine. The site offers a safe place for refugees to rest, eat, and obtain trusted and safe information to inform their next steps, whether in Warsaw, Poland, or abroad. While NRC manages the overall site, there are several service providers operating at the site, including both local and international organisations.
For housing, NRC is working with local partners and the private sector to explore solutions to reinforce host family support as well as facilitating access to the rental market for refugees.
Information, counselling and legal assistance (ICLA)
Access to safe and reliable information, counselling and legal assistance remains a key priority for NRC and the wider response. NRC is working with two partners who focus largely on Ukrainian refugees, as well as one local organisation for support to those crossing from Belarus. All partners provide hotlines and counselling points to offer information on a range of themes, from legal stay to service provision. Our local partners include Legal Bar Association, Ukraine House, Polish Hospitality Foundation.
Education
In Poland, NRC supports both formal and informal education systems. For formal education, NRC works with local partners to train teachers nationwide on different subjects including mental health for conflict-affected children and their peers.
For non-formal education, NRC is working on recreational learning activities in collective shelters, supporting those studying the Ukrainian curriculum remotely, as well as exploring ways to support Ukrainian schools in Poland. A wide range of approaches are required to ensure children are not pushed out of school and learning. Our local partners include CEO, CUF, GPAS, EMIC, University of Warsaw.
Basic needs
Access to basic needs remains a priority for vulnerable new arrivals, as well as vulnerable households facing protracted stays in Poland. With our partner, PCPM, NRC is providing Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) to refugees from Ukraine in Lublin, Warsaw, and Gdansk. Learning from this collaboration led to the joint publication Equality vs Equity.
