Reference News Network on February 22** According to the EFE news agency on February 20**, a study by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees warned on the 20th that as the Russia-Ukraine conflict is about to enter its third year, the situation in Ukraine has caused 3.7 million people to be internally displaced, and another 6.5 million have taken refuge overseas. In the midst of this great migration, there are growing doubts about the possibility of returning home.
A survey of some 9,900 families in Ukraine who have taken refuge abroad, internally displaced and returned home at home and abroad shows that 65 percent of Ukrainians living abroad still hope to return home at some point, while this percentage rises to 72 percent among internally displaced people.
However, the results also show that the proportion of those who wish to return to their hometowns has declined in both groups, and that more and more people are expressing uncertainty about returning home as the war continues.
"Insecurity is a major factor preventing many people from returning to their homes, as missile strikes, bombardments and mass destruction continue to occur in many parts of the country," Philippe Leclerc, UNHCR's regional director for Europe, warned of **. ”
Another concern that restricts the return of Ukrainians who have migrated abroad is the lack of economic and employment opportunities, with more than half of the refugees surveyed who have returned home (55%) saying they find fewer jobs than they thought they would be.
Despite the challenges of restoring employment, a recent study by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on the socio-economic impact of the conflict in Ukraine found that 82% of SMEs that were suspended in 2022 had partially resumed their activities within six months by the end of 2023.
At the same press conference, UNDP Representative to Ukraine, Jako Cilliers, added: "Factors driving this recovery include improvements in energy, foreign financial assistance, and growth in construction, agriculture and industry." ”
In addition, some 59 per cent of respondents to the UNDP survey said they may be forced to return to their homes, even if it is not their first choice, due to economic difficulties or high family separation in host countries.
Dushan Vuyashanen, head of the Russia-Ukraine conflict at the ICRC's Tracing Agency, said at the same press conference that among the 2Out of 30,000 tracing requests, the organization has clarified the whereabouts of 8,000 people. (Compiled by Su Jiawei).