Published In
International Affairs
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2024
Subjects
Refugees, Refugee Law, Ukraine
Abstract
The invasion of Ukraine that began in February 2022 provoked an enormous exodus of people fleeing to safety by crossing Ukrainian borders into neighbouring states to seek refuge. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported that as of mid-May 2023 more than eight million people had fled the conflict in Ukraine and crossed a border into another European state, and more than five million of these people were registered for temporary protection of some sort. Many of these people were warmly welcomed, and further-flung states raised their hands to provide assistance and refuge as well. Support for these displaced Ukrainians has come from states themselves, from civil society organizations, and from individuals; and it has arrived in a diversity of forms, from the quiet flying of the Ukrainian flag to boisterous public demonstrations, donations of food and money, and the opening of their homes by many people wishing to provide a welcome on a most personal level. All of this is to the good. This huge outpouring of humanitarian assistance is life-saving, generous, necessary and deserved. Long may it continue: or, rather, may it continue at least as long as the war.
Citation Details
Catherine Dauvergne, "The Risks to Refugee Law of Humanitarian Responses to Flight from Ukraine" (2024) 100:1 Int'l Affairs 283.