We have compiled information on the situation in Ukraine, including a list of organisations providing advice to stateless people fleeing Ukraine
The strength of solidarity shown across Europe - in particular in neighbouring countries - towards the people from Ukraine has been commendable. Nevertheless, as more information emerges from what is a developing situation on the ground, two years after the outbreak of the war, we need to ensure no one is left behind, which includes those who are stateless or at risk of statelessness.
Access to protection for stateless people
The last census in Ukraine recorded 82,550 stateless people, and in 2021 UNHCR estimated there to be at least 35,000 stateless and people with ‘undetermined nationality’. Other sources suggest there could be many tens of thousands more, including a significant proportion of the Roma population as well as children born in Crimea, Luhansk and Donetsk since 2014.
Reports from our members working in Ukraine and the neighbouring countries suggest that stateless people fleeing the crisis may face additional barriers when seeking safety because of their lack of nationality or lack of civil documentation.
We’ve published three briefings based on the information collected from ENS members and partners working on the ground. The briefings also make a series of recommendations to the EU, European States, international agencies and NGOs.
Country information for stateless people fleeing Ukraine
This series of briefings provides country-specific information for stateless people and those at risk of statelessness fleeing Ukraine.
These briefings are intended as a source of information for refugee response actors and affected individuals. The focus is on stateless people and people at risk of statelessness, including those who are undocumented. Links to more general information for refugees from Ukraine are provided throughout.
Advice and assistance for stateless people and those at risk of statelessness
Updated as of February 2024
The European Network on Statelessness cannot provide legal advice to stateless people directly, but our members listed below work in Ukraine and its Western bordering countries and provide either free or paid legal advice. They will never report undocumented or stateless people to the authorities. We encourage you to contact them by phone or email to see if they can help you.
Europe
European Network on Statelessness
A lists of ENS members in different countries across Europe providing advice to stateless people.
info@statelessness.eu
Statefree.world
A platform for stateless people with helpful information.
EU Agency for Asylum is running a survey for people fleeing the war in Ukraine to help design tailored services available to stateless people, refugees and asylum seekers.
Hungary
Hungarian Helsinki Committee
The Hungarian Helsinki Committee provides legal information, assistance and representation to persons who are fleeing Ukraine and come to Hungary.
UNHCR Hungary
UNHCR provides a toll free helpline,
Poland
Halina Nieć Legal Aid Center (HNLAC)
Provide legal assistance to refugees and stateless people from Ukraine.
Association for Legal Intervention (Stowarzyszenie Interwencji Prawnej)
You can email the Association for more information.
UNHCR Poland
Toll free phone advice line to people fleeing Ukraine.
Ukraine
Right2Protection (R2P) Право на захист
R2P can be contacted on Facebook or Telegram. Advice line numbers are available from their website.
International Foundation for Health and Environmental Protection “Region Karpat” (NEEKA)
Visit NEEKA website or Facebook for more info on the help they can provide.
NGO The Tenth of April
You can visit their website or contact them on Telegram, email or Facebook.
Moldova
Law Center of Advocates
Visit their website or call the statelessness hotline: +37369906400 and asylum hotline: +37368828180
Romania
JRS Romania
Visit their website for more information on their services.
UNHCR
https://help.unhcr.org/romania/
Slovakia
Human Rights League
Visit their dedicated website for refugees and stateless people from Ukraine.
UNHCR Slovakia
https://help.unhcr.org/slovakia/
We would like to thank our partner Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer for its legal research and commitment.
Photo: Matt Brown, FLICKR - Creative Commons