Serhii Plokhy, (2023)

Serhii Plokhy’s authoritative history delves into Europe’s largest military conflict since World War II: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Tracing the conflict’s origins to post-Soviet tensions and imperial collapse, Plokhy emphasises Ukraine’s central role in Russia’s identity and the broader geopolitical landscape. Despite warnings, Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine shocked the world, leading to Ukrainian resistance and a united Western response. Plokhy argues that amidst a new Cold War era marked by nuclear proliferation and nationalist resurgence, Ukraine stands as a volatile fault line between authoritarianism and democratic Europe.

ISBN: 9780241617359

European Platfrom Undeclared Work

The document discusses Romania’s REVISAL, a digital register of employees managed by the Labour Inspectorate, aiming to streamline administrative processes and enhance labour inspections. It highlights the system’s contribution to reducing bureaucratic burdens, improving detection of undeclared work, and providing comprehensive details about individual employment contracts. Employers are required to input various contract-related information, contributing to increased transparency in employer-employee relationships. Key success factors include the availability of a desktop application, comprehensive guidelines, and the system’s integration into payroll software.

https://www.ela.europa.eu/sites/default/files/2021-09/RO-REVISAL%20system.pdf (09.01.2024)

UN Women (2023)

This gender brief, co-led by UN Women with contributions from ILO and Care International, analyses the challenges faced by refugees from Ukraine, particularly women, in accessing employment and sustainable livelihoods in neighbouring countries. It examines issues such as professional qualifications, employment opportunities, language, care work, protection, gender-based violence, and financial assistance. The brief also highlights good practices in the response and provides recommendations for addressing livelihood challenges.

https://eca.unwomen.org/en/digital-library/publications/2023/06/gender-brief-livelihoods-and-access-to-work-of-refugees-from-ukraine-in-neighboring-host-countries (09.01.2023)

Norwegian Refugee Council, (2023)

The assessment focused on Ukrainian refugee youth in Moldova and Romania, revealing significant needs alongside hopes for a secure future. Language emerged as a key overarching need affecting various aspects of youth’s lives. Economic support, secure jobs, and stable integration were frequently cited needs. While youth appreciated the safety of host communities, anxiety about their futures persisted. “Feelings of isolation and distance from family and friends displaced by the conflict” contributed to mental strain. The youth provided practical suggestions, emphasising language support and community centres for meaningful connections. The insights aim to inform humanitarian organisations’ programming, aligning with the priorities and aspirations of refugee youth.

https://www.nrc.no/resources/reports/hope-and-uncertainty/ (09.01.2023)

FRA, Eurofund, (2023)

The document discusses the response of social services in host countries to the large influx of people displaced from Ukraine, emphasising the importance of swift access to the labour market for short-term and long-term integration. The Temporary Protection Directive (TPD) and EU Charter of Fundamental Rights highlight the right of displaced individuals to work under equal conditions. The European Commission’s guidance aims to ensure non-discrimination and address specific vulnerabilities. Integration measures, including access to public services, housing, education, health, and employment assistance, are crucial for successful labour market participation. Challenges such as housing, education, and mental health support are addressed, and recommendations for facilitating recognition of qualifications are provided.

https://fra.europa.eu/en/publication/2023/barriers-employment-displaced-ukrainians (09.01.2023)

UNHCR, (2022)

The document provides information on the situation of Ukrainian refugees in Romania as of early December 2022. Over 7.8 million refugees have fled Ukraine, with 98,000 in Romania. A Multi-Sector Needs Assessment (MSNA) was conducted to understand the demographic profile, needs, and intentions of these refugees. Key findings include the average age of the head of household being 40.5 years, 78% being women, and 75% of household members being female. Employment challenges were noted, with 51% having a different professional status in Romania, and 80% reported not working. Healthcare barriers, education challenges, and accommodation preferences were also highlighted. The document emphasises the importance of addressing refugees’ needs and ensuring their socio-economic resilience. 

https://repository.impact-initiatives.org/document/reach/29ffbc17/ROU2204_REACH_Romania_2022_MSNA_Report-1.pdf (09.01.2023)

Legrain, Philippe, (2017)

The document outlines strategies to swiftly integrate refugees and asylum seekers into the workforce, with a specific emphasis on entry-level jobs. Drawing on research from 22 advanced economies receiving significant numbers of refugees, it presents 16 policy recommendations, highlighting effective practices and innovative approaches. The report underscores the importance of rapid employment for refugees, facilitating their integration into society and dispelling misconceptions of being a burden. It emphasises the need for governments, NGOs, and businesses to collaborate, addressing hurdles such as trauma, discrimination, and bureaucratic challenges refugees face in securing employment.

https://www.tent.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/TENT_StepUp_Final.pdf (09.01.2023)

UNHCR (2021)

This document addresses the rights, challenges, and protection risks faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and other diverse identities (LGBTIQ+) individuals in situations of forced displacement. It emphasises that while they share basic needs and rights with other displaced persons, they encounter additional risks due to their sexual orientation and gender identity. The document reaffirms UNHCR’s commitment to ensuring equal rights and full participation for all persons of concern, including those within the LGBTIQ+ community, as outlined in the “UNHCR policy on age, gender, and diversity.” The focus is on providing equal access to existing international human rights, not establishing “special rights.” To address the diverse forms of discrimination, an age, gender, and diversity approach is deemed crucial to tailor protection and assistance.

https://emergency.unhcr.org/sites/default/files/UNHCR%2C%20Need%20to%20Know%20Guidance.%20Working%20with%20Lesbian%2C%20Gay%2C%20Bisexual%2C%20Transgender%2C%20and%20Intersex%20Persons%20in%20Forced%20Displacement%2C%202011.pdf (09.01.2023)

Refugee Self-Reliance Initiative

The Multistakeholder Pledge on Economic Inclusion and Social Protection is a commitment to support the self-reliance of refugees, displaced individuals, and stateless people, along with their host communities. The pledge encourages concrete actions from various stakeholders to improve economic inclusion, access to land, food security, employment, financial services, entrepreneurship, training, and social protection. It serves as a platform for collaboration, sharing best practices, and pooling resources to implement these commitments. The pledge acknowledges previous commitments and aims to build upon them, emphasising progress and support for initiatives promoting self-reliance.

https://www.refugeeselfreliance.org/eisppledge

Hello Europe

The Stepping UP Report is published by Ashoka which is the world´s largest network of social entrepreneurs. The report shares challenges and visions from different practitioners. It emphasises “how Europe can and should step up: how to engage refugees if we want to go beyond crisis relief towards re-framing refugees as changemakers.”

“The “stepping UP Report” highlights the diversity of the solutions offered by changemakers and their self-perception, the issues of mental health and access to funding. It addresses such barriers as harmful narratives and propaganda and outlines the mindset shifts that need to take place in order for refugees to be seen as a positive force and valued for their contribution.”