A shortage of capacity in accommodation centres remains a challenge in Ukraine and emerged as an issue in Belarus, as a result of the steep increase in the number of people of concern.
The self-reliance of asylum seekers and refugees is being eroded by the economic and political challenges in the region. UNHCR is unable to implement direct assistance to all people of its concern in the sub-region. To date, there is no comprehensive integration programme for refugees in Ukraine.
Freedom of movement one of the areas that still required UNCHR attention and advocacy efforts, as recent developments with establishment of border regimen with Crimea and ATO zone, termination of public transport connection between Ukraine do pose serious limitations for mobility of the population.
UNHCR’s border monitoring activities were also limited and the Office was not able to capacitate border guards – the first point of contact for many asylum-seekers - on asylum issues and considerations. Statelessness remains a vastly underrated problem in all three countries. The key priority is a comprehensive mapping of the stateless population and their protection needs. Efforts to resolve statelessness were made through a public information campaign in Moldova and some activities were undertaken in two regions of Ukraine, with a focus on the Roma population. However, there is no accurate information on the scope of statelessness in the region.
In response to IDP situation in Ukraine, an IDP registration system launched in late 2014 still requires improvement in order to enhance thequality of data to inform programming. Further, vulnerable groups including minorities require increased outreach and targeted interventions to ensure they are receiving the assistance they need.