19 Humanitarian Organizations and UN Appeal For US$ 38.6 Million To Support Ukrainian Refugees

As humanitarian support to refugees from Ukraine enters its third year, 19 humanitarian organizations and the UN in Bulgaria are appealing for US$ 38.6 million to support 70,000 refugees from Ukraine in Bulgaria in 2024.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has led to the displacement of over 6.4 million refugees globally, with Bulgaria alone hosting over 67,000 individuals with Temporary Protection by 15 February 2024, highlighting the pressing need for humanitarian assistance.

"Our commitment to support refugees from Ukraine is steadfast," said Seda Kuzucu, UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) Representative and Refugee Coordinator in Bulgaria. "In close coordination with the government of Bulgaria, our priority is the protection, empowerment, and self-reliance of refugees, strengthening social cohesion, and localization of our efforts with municipalities and community-based organizations."

The Bulgaria chapter of the 2024 Refugee Response Plan (RRP) embodies a robust humanitarian response by five UN agencies, 13 national NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations) that include six refugee-led organizations, four women-led organizations, and one faith-based organizations; and the International Federation of the Red Cross and the Bulgarian Red Cross.

In Bulgaria, a significant portion of Ukrainian refugees are older persons and individuals with disabilities, with women and girls comprising the majority. Efforts to mitigate risks and prevent gender-based violence are critical, along with enhanced child protection interventions. While a substantial percentage of working-age refugees are employed, barriers like language training and skills recognition hinder their socio-economic integration. Language barriers and high healthcare costs pose challenges...