Council of Europe urges members to step up humanitarian aid for Ukrainians

By Shweta Desai

PARIS (AA) - The Council of Europe's commissioner for human rights on Thursday called on member states, especially those not bordering Ukraine, to scale up support for the humanitarian needs of refugees fleeing the nation's war with Russia.

In a statement, Dunja Mijatovic stressed that there was an urgent need for all member states to make medium- and long-term plans to ensure the sustainability of the humanitarian assistance.

She stressed that those countries with no borders to Ukraine must step up their assistance, including by providing funds "to support the enormous efforts" by Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Moldova.

The Strasbourg-based council now has 46 members after Russia was suspended for its war on Ukraine.

Mijatovic made a particular appeal for countries to facilitate the movement of refugees to other countries, highlighting urgent concerns for the provision of housing, employment, education, and financial aid.

She also pointed out that most of the assistance was being provided by civil society groups and local civilian efforts that are not sustainable, adding that it is important that state authorities assume more responsibility.

Since the start of the war on Feb. 24, more than 3.6 million people have fled Ukraine and the majority have found shelter in neighboring countries.

With another estimated 6.5 million internally displaced people likely to leave the country given the ongoing clashes and state of fear, Mijatovic said there was a clear need for preparations to receive larger groups of people.

Most of the places organized for the reception, she noted, are aimed only at short-term stays and not suitable for longer presence, which will be needed given the high number of refugees.

However, considering the acute shortages of private and government-sponsored accommodations, there is a risk of temporary reception places turning into long-term housing camps for which they are clearly not adapted, said Mijatovic.

While a majority of Ukrainians are being welcomed warmly by European countries, the official raised concerns about discriminatory treatment towards Roma people and Africans. She urged proactive assistance and protection for vulnerable groups.