Attachments

Situation Overview

The Czech Republic continues to host one of the largest populations displaced by the war in Ukraine, predominantly composed of women and children. The Czech Republic hosts the highest number of refugees from Ukraine per capita in the EU and ranks third in total number of refugees after Germany and Poland. Between January and March 2024, for the second time, the government has successfully re-registered refugees within its borders, providing an updated understanding of their numbers, vulnerabilities, and specific needs. From the outset, the Czech government has played an active role in supporting refugees from Ukraine, from establishing measures to meet their essential needs to further fostering inclusion. In January 2024, a new policy framework, Adaptation and Integration Priorities for TP Holders 2024+ (Priorities 2024+), was approved to strengthen these efforts and address emerging challenges. The Priorities 2024+ strategy outlines key areas of focus such as, improving access to decent housing and psycho-social support, prevention of labour exploitation, and physical and online security and combating misinformation that affects refugee communities. In January 2024, the Czech Republic also enacted Lex Ukraine VI, a legislative update aimed at refining support for Ukrainian refugees. This sixth amendment to the existing Lex Ukraine laws underscores the Czech government’s targeted approach by prioritizing support for vulnerable groups whilst enhancing self-sufficiency among refugees. This focus enables tailored assistance, ensuring the most pressing needs are met. Additionally, Lex Ukraine VII is currently in preparation. It will provide a possibility for economically self-sufficient refugees to gain a five-year- long residency permit. The collaborative efforts among the Government and RRP partners for the effective realisation of the Government strategy Priorities 2024+ continue to provide a sustainable pathway for refugees as they navigate life in a new country. An agreed and well-managed mainstreaming of the support and programmes into the government social support network and phase-down of UN-led support during 2025 will promote the long-term predictability and sustainability of further assistance to refugees. Cooperation with refugee-led and community organizations is paramount and secures that refugees and community leaders are directly involved in designing sustainable solutions as empowered actors.