 UNHCR in UkraineUNHCR current main role in Ukraine is to advise, assist and monitor the country's implementation of its responsibilities for the protection of refugees. Working with the government, the parliament, central and regional authorities as well as with NGOs, UNHCR supports the development of a comprehensive asylum system. UNHCR also assists Ukraine in preventing and reducing statelessness. It promotes the improvement of citizenship legislation as well as Ukraine’s accession to the two UN statelessness conventions. UNHCR established its presence in Ukraine in March 1994. In 1995 its budget was USD 100,000. To support the integration of formerly deported persons in Crimea, its annual budgets significantly increased to around USD 4 million in 1998. During 2002-2003, the UNHCR invested USD 2.5 million into the development of the asylum system and the protection of refugees in Ukraine. In 2006, the UNHCR Kyiv has budget of USD 1,356 million, excluding the EC portion for project Strengthening Asylum System in Ukraine implemented by UNHCR. Five international and fourteen Ukrainian staff members are currently working for UNHCR in Kyiv. Specifically, UNHCR provides legal advice, training and material support to strengthen the capacity of the government and NGOs to deal with asylum issues. As national structures are not sufficient to assist refugees adequately, UNHCR renders legal and social aid to asylum seekers, refugees, formerly deported people and other persons of concern. In addition, UNHCR provides material and financial assistance to most vulnerable refugees. UNHCR direct protection activities include voluntary repatriation of refugees and resettlement of those who cannot find adequate protection in the region. Activities such as border monitoring and training of border guards, rehabilitation and expansion of reception capacity, capacity building of authorities and public awareness events were implemented under the UNHCR annual programme supplemented by the EC funds. Phone: +380 442 889 424 32nd -A Mazepy Street. City Kiev,, Kievska oblast Other Categories: Non-profit organizations in Ukraine |
