Joint statement: Decision to extend temporary protection for refugees fleeing Ukraine is welcome

ICMC Europe/Share Network and 35 humanitarian, human rights, and refugee rights organisations welcome the decision of the Justice and Home Affairs Council of the European Union to extend the Temporary Protection Directive for refugees fleeing Ukraine for an additional year, until 4 March 2025.

This is a positive step, continuing to provide a lifeline for those displaced by the war, and offering them a chance to rebuild their lives by granting continued rights to access to essential services, including healthcare, education, and employment.

However, the organisations call for the Temporary Protection Directive to be applied to all refugees fleeing Ukraine, to limit discrimination of vulnerable groups such as third-country nationals, Roma refugees, stateless persons, and people who were seeking asylum or holding international protection status in Ukraine.