Statement from the Ukraine Civil Society Forum 23rd February 2024.
Statement from the Ukraine Civil Society Forum 23rd February 2024.
Recognising that the war will likely continue, Ireland needs to offer hope and a measure of certainty. We must provide a path to residency beyond temporary protection so that people can truly begin to rebuild their lives free to stay, supporting themselves, contributing to Ireland and equally free to return to the Ukraine to be reunited with family and support the reconstruction.
Today, the Ukraine Civil Society Forum, comprised of 92 organisations and national networks working to support the humanitarian response in offering sanctuary to refugees from Ukraine in communities across Ireland, marks the two-year anniversary of the brutal Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The resulting war and displacement of ten million refugees has ignited a trauma that will be felt for generations. As 3.7m people were displaced internally within Ukraine and 6.5m people fled into neighbouring countries, communities across Europe opened their homes, schools and community spaces to provide sanctuary, and governments found solutions to enable a fast, effective humanitarian response. In Ireland, we have witnessed the truly compassionate nature and decency of Irish society as every community in Ireland has come forward to help. Collectively, we have been a force for good and provided sanctuary to over 104,000 people, 80% of whom have remained. The Irish public, and the Ukrainian community who now live with us, can be proud of this collective effort.
As the war continues the fate of those displaced remains uncertain.
Ireland has granted temporary protection status to those who have fled the war. It is due to end in March 2025. This insecurity to peoples’ lives adds to their instability, not knowing for how long one can remain: living a life in limbo, raising your children alone, worrying about the fate of your parents and your future. These are real and pressing concerns of the many who have sought refuge here in Ireland and across Europe.
Commenting on this uncertainty, Emma Lane-Spollen from Ukraine Civil Society Forum, says
“The vast majority of people yearn for home, and when the situation allows, they will return; but this may be some years away. For some too much has been destroyed, the trauma too deep with nobody and nothing to go back to. New memories have been made. Ireland is their home now. They are part of Ireland and Ireland is a part of them. We need to incorporate this need into our planning.”
At this two-year point the Ukraine Civil Society Forum want to thank everyone who has responded so generously: staff and volunteers within the community and voluntary sector, officials across the government and public sector, hosts and volunteers in every community who collectively, for 24 months now, have continued to respond generously and openly, striven against endless challenges to provide sanctuary. We salute the Ukrainian community for their contribution to Ireland, and for exemplifying a strength and resilience that has moved us all and together we stand for hope, peace and friendship.
Editor note
Ukraine Civil Society Forum (UCSF) has 92 participating organisations. This initiative was convened by civil society in March 2022 acting collectively to support the emergency response and welcome of refugees from Ukraine to Ireland. Providing a space for the national coordination of civil society and community responses, connecting into the State’s response structures supporting reception and integration. The UCSF shares information, avoids duplication, identifies trends and patterns, including gaps in service provision and works together to share solutions, escalate issues where necessary to the Government.
Contact: Yvonne Judge hello@yvonnejudge.ie
Emma Lane-Spollen UkraineForum@immigrantcouncil.ie
Funded by the Community Foundation of Ireland and the Sunflower Foundation.