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Refugees crowd at the Uzhhorod-Vysne Nemecke checkpoint on the Ukraine-Slovakia border, Zakarpattia Region, western Ukraine, February 27, 2022. Photo by Ukrinform.
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A woman and children are pictured at the Uzhhorod-Vysne Nemecke checkpoint on the Ukraine-Slovakia border, Zakarpattia Region, western Ukraine, February 27, 2022. Photo by Ukrinform.
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A woman and children head for a bus at the Uzhhorod-Vysne Nemecke checkpoint on the Ukraine-Slovakia border, Zakarpattia Region, western Ukraine. Photo by Ukrinform
United Nations (UN) estimates suggest that over four million refugees have fled Ukraine since Russia’s invasion began on February 24, the vast majority of which are residing in Poland. The remainder have traveled predominantly to the rest of Europe, with the latest figures stating that around 25,000 displaced people have obtained temporary protection in Spain, with a further 35,000 awaiting appointments.
For those arriving from Ukraine, the Spanish government has fast-tracked the residency process, granting them a temporary work permit, enrollment in schools and access to health care in addition to other rights. They are afforded these benefits for at least a year, in accordance with the EU Temporary Protection Directive which was introduced in 2001 to provide a framework to cater for an unprecedented mass-influx of refugees. This is the first time it has been activated since its introduction, as it was bypassed during the Syrian refugee crisis and, more recently, during the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in 2021.
It is thought that a significant proportion of those who have arrived in Spain are residing with friends or family in the country. However, those who do not have relatives have relied, in large part, on the generosity of local communities, initiatives and organizations. I spoke with two initiatives based in Sitges to find out more about the work they’re doing locally to aid those fleeing the violence in Ukraine.
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Image from Spain4Ukraine.
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Image from Spain4Ukraine.
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Image from Spain4Ukraine.
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Image from Spain4Ukraine.
Spain4Ukraine
In early March, after days of following the news, a group of friends from Sitges decided to take action. They planned to drive out to the Polish border with Ukraine to pick up displaced people to be placed indefinitely in the houses of trusted family and friends. They began to spread the word through their friends and children’s schools to raise money for the journey, and very quickly increasing numbers of people came forward to offer their support. What started as four cars turned into a convoy of 18 people between two buses, eight vans and a camper-van, with the capacity to bring back 140 women and children. As the project continued to grow and donations flooded in, the initiative started communications with the Ukrainian consulate in Barcelona, as well as the Red Cross and local authorities to keep up to date with the changing regulations and the legalities of the trip. The convoy left between March 13th and 14th with boxes of humanitarian aid to be distributed upon arrival.
Back in Spain, after securing a warehouse, over 200 volunteers sorted through more donations for those arriving. Further, the initiative organized a group of volunteer psychologists, translators and government officials to make the arrival as smooth and safe as possible. That same weekend, 142 displaced people arrived in Sitges, among them, two pregnant women and a 25 day old baby. They have since all been settled with relatives and host families across Spain.
However, this was only the beginning. The founders were aware from the start that both the legal and social aspects of integration into the local community were paramount. They manage multiple WhatsApp and Telegram groups with up-to-date information about documentation, organization of social gatherings and sports classes for children as well as general advice. They turned the warehouse into a goodwill center with racks of clothing, bikes, food and all manner of donated goods. Very quickly, it became a much-needed social space as much as it was a place to pick up necessities. The center has since closed but a number of volunteers have, independently, worked with the local town hall to set up a more permanent location.
With the remainder of the donations received, Spain4Ukraine has booked flights for 224 further displaced people, whose settlement will be managed by the Red Cross.
Image courtesy of Las Historias de Sofía.
Las Historias de Sofía
Last week, I sat down with Marisa Guitart Amechazurra to discuss the latest work of her association Las Historias de Sofía.
The Association was set up after the founders’ daughter, Sofía, was born with severe heart complications, with the aim of supporting children and their families experiencing difficult circumstances like their own. However, over the last month, the organization has turned its efforts to helping those fleeing Ukraine, reallocating funds from other projects to sponsor buses to travel to and from Poland. A group of volunteers went out on two trips to Krakow to pick up displaced people, with the last bus arriving just recently.
Through word of mouth and a lot of determination, Las Historias de Sofía managed to gather the resources needed for their arrival. The first bus brought back 47 women, children and elders. Some already had places to go, while those needing homes have been set up in host families or private accommodation. They can, however, only stay in this accommodation until June, when the local authorities will take over.
Marisa emphasized that she felt if her organization were to do something like this, then it needed to be done right. Las Historias de Sofía is focused on the refugees' long-term integration, currently working to obtain the necessary documentation to gain access to medical care, employment and education.
How Can You Help?
Find out more about Marisa’s association and any upcoming events on the website at lashistoriasdesofia.org where you can also donate to the organization's projects. If you think you or your company might have something to offer, such as employment, language, sport or instrument lessons, stationary, food, etc., please do reach out. You can email Las Historias de Sofía, or send a private Facebook message.
If you’d like to host a minor or family arriving from Ukraine, please consult the Generalitat’s website. The only legal way to house people is through the government body to assure the protection of their rights and wellbeing. While priority is being given to accommodation organized by entities specialized in refugee care, all offers will be considered.