Most European countries are gradually reducing the amount of financial support for refugees from Ukraine. This week, news came from Ireland, Germany and the Czech Republic about the eviction of our fellow citizens from free housing. Also, Ukrainians who have not yet found a job abroad are encouraged in every possible way to get a job. Despite such actions of the governments, the majority of the population of European countries and the USA believe that support for refugees should not be stopped. This is evidenced survey results, commissioned by the International Rescue Committee (IRC)*.
*For reference: The International Rescue Committee is a public organization whose activities are aimed at helping people affected by humanitarian crises. The organization works in more than 50 countries.
A public opinion survey conducted in Sweden, Germany, Poland, France, Great Britain and the United States found that support for aid to Ukraine and aid to refugees is currently highest in Great Britain and Sweden. Thus, 79% of British respondents and 72% of Swedes expressed long-term support for Ukrainian migrants.
On the other hand, the indicators are somewhat lower in the countries that have received the most of our fellow citizens since 2022. In Germany, where more than a million Ukrainians received temporary protection status, only 47% of respondents consider long-term support necessary. In Poland, where more than 900,000 refugees live, 55% of respondents spoke in favor of long-term benefits for Ukrainians.
In all six countries, the majority of respondents believe that the governments of their states should provide refugees from Ukraine with housing, food and other basic needs, as well as education and medical services, and only then – the opportunity to work.
“While long-term residency for Ukrainian refugees is a controversial issue, the IRC poll shows that most people still express their support for Ukraine. A normal life remains out of reach for millions of Ukrainians, as ten years of conflict have affected almost every aspect of life. More than 14 million people inside the country need special humanitarian aid. As the recent events in Kharkiv have shown, the fighting in the country continues to harm the civilian population,” the representatives of the International Rescue Committee note.
