Jean Yves Bouchardy, UNHCR Representative in the Republic of Belarus, visited the regions in order to assess the situation in the sphere of forced migration, in particular, the questions related to the increase of the number of Ukraine citizens seeking for asylum in Belarus.
On February 2-4, 2015 Jean Yves Bouchardy visited Brest region. The visit encompassed meetings with Leonid Tsupik, Deputy Head of Brest Region Executive Committee, and Aleksander Tomashev, Head of the Office on Citizenship and Migration of Brest region. 42 foreign citizens, including 23 Ukrainians, turned to the Office on Citizenship and Migration of the region for the refugee status or supplementary protection within the previous year. They receive comprehensive assistance in Brest region — explanation of their rights and obligations, consultations on different issues, support while turning to other state bodies and non-governmental organizations. L. Tsupik noted that Brest region has common borders with Volyn’ and Rovno regions of Ukraine, but due to tense situation in the east of the neighboring country an influx of forced migrants from Donetsk and Lugansk regions has roughly increased since 2014. About 6 thousand Ukrainians who officially registered themselves in the MIA have arrived in Brest region, a half of them — from the area of military actions. Mainly, these are people who lived in Belarus before and have close relatives. Jean Yves Bouchardy promised in case the number of new applicants on the territory of Belarus reaches particular degree, UNHCR Representation in Belarus may submit a petition to the organization headquarters on provision of additional resources for these goals. UNHCR delegation also visited asylum seekers in Belarus from Ukraine and currently residing in Brest and Baranovichi.
On February 11-13, 2015 Jean Yves Bouchardy visited Grodno region. In the course of the visit he met Yuri Shuleyko, Deputy Head of Grodno Region Executive Committee, representatives of regional organization of Belarusian Red Cross Society, migration service. UNHCR delegation also visited asylum seekers of Ukraine currently residing in Lida. The focus was made on vulnerable categories of population. These are the elderly people, persons with disabilities, single mothers and large families.
In general, Jean Yves Bouchardy expressed particular gratitude for the warm reception of the citizens of Ukraine realizing that a significant growth of natives of this country was observed in 2014.
Read more here: UNHCR Representative in Belarus came with the working visit to Brest (rus)
What assistance will be provided to forced migrants in Brest region? (rus)
UNHCR Representative Jean Yves Bouchardy visited Grodno (rus)