The conflict in Ukraine continues and unfortunately there is still no end in sight. UNHCR welcomes the fact that host countries such as Switzerland and Liechtenstein have decided to maintain temporary protection for refugees from Ukraine.
UNHCR continues to call on all states to continue to grant refugees from Ukraine access to their territories and not to return anyone against his or her will. In view of the ongoing international armed conflict, UNHCR considers it inappropriate to encourage or support returns to Ukraine.
But refugees might wish, nevertheless, to exercise their right to voluntary return to their home country. This is an intensely personal and often complicated and difficult decision to make.
To ensure that people take an informed decision on return, UNHCR has developed an information platform called Ukraine is Home:
The platform provides refugees, returnees, and internally displaced Ukrainians with accurate and up-to-date information about their rights and continued stay in host countries or communities, as well as available support in Ukraine. On the platform you will find:
- Information on temporary protection status and the possibility to visit Ukraine without loosing the protection status for 20+ European countries
- Available support in Ukraine for returnees from abroad and internally displaced Ukrainians
- Cash assistance in Ukraine for vulnerable returnees from abroad and internally displaced returnees
- Multi-service protection centres in Ukraine run by UNHCR and partners
- National compensation programs in Ukraine for damaged or destroyed housing
- Employment and business opportunities in Ukraine
- A toll-free hotline for questions on continued stay abroad and return to Ukraine available from any European country
If you are thinking about voluntary return to Ukraine, we advise you to consult the Ukraine is Home platform and reach out to the return counselling service in your Canton or residence, if you are in Switzerland, or the Migration and Passport Office, if you are in Liechtenstein.