UNHCR issues a 'Position on Returns to Ukraine'

The Ukraine crisis has severely affected the operation of shipping and working conditions in the global shipping sector, resulting in a humanitarian and safety crisis.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) calls on all countries to allow civilians of all nationalities fleeing Ukraine non-discriminatory access to their territories and to ensure respect for the principle of non-refoulement at all times.

Many Ukrainians or former habitual residents of Ukraine residing in other countries currently benefit from legal statuses, related to, for example, studies or work, granted before the escalation of the conflict. UNHCR recommends to extend existing legal statuses for as long as necessary. Persons benefiting from such arrangements should not be prevented from applying for asylum.

In the current circumstances, UNHCR does not consider Ukraine a “safe country of origin” and recommends states to remove Ukraine from “safe country of origin” lists.

RELEVANT DOCUMENT (AVAILABLE ONLY TO SUBSCRIBERS):

Circular Letter No.4524 Ukraine crisis – UNHCR Position on Returns to Ukraine