Opinions & Interviews

Necessary conditions are created for both government bodies and NGOs to work with migrants and refugees.

“I would like to stress that under these conditions we can monitor the situation and analyze it. The fact that out of more than 160,000 Ukrainians that came to Belarus in 2014-2015 only a bit more than 1,000 sought the refugee status speaks a lot. They have an opportunity to realize their potential, register themselves, live and work here,” noted Zeynal Hajiyev.

In his words, many Ukrainians brought their whole families to Belarus. Among them is a big vulnerable group. Their number is estimated at 10,000-20,000 people.

“Here proper respect should be given to the government bodies of Belarus, first of all, due to the availability of all necessary conditions for employment. Migrants’ children have free access to the education system. We are also working to improve access to medical services. Here we see understanding of the Belarusian side as well,” stressed Zeynal Hajiyev.

Zeynal Hajiyev and UNHCR Representative in Belarus Jean-Yves Bouchardy visited the Department of Citizenship and Migration of the Grodno Oblast Executive Committee, the Grodno Oblast Organization of the Belarusian Red Cross Society, the Grodno Oblast Union and Employers, and also held a number of meetings with Ukrainian nationals that live in the area.

“Refugees, migrants get all necessary assistance both in Grodno Oblast and across the country,” said Jean-Yves Bouchardy.