Ukraine is experiencing a genuine humanitarian crisis caused by the invasion -and subsequent war- orchestrated by the Russian government of Vladimir Putin to take over the country. A situation that has led millions of Ukrainians to abandon their homes, their lives, to avoid being captured or killed in the face of the constant attacks that are taking place in practically the entire country. According to the UN, since the beginning of the conflict more than two million refugees have already been registered; people who, after crossing the Ukrainian border, have been displaced to other safer European territories.
Precisely, in response to this call for help sent by the entire Ukrainian population, many people -and not just governments and institutions- have taken action to help as much as possible in the face of this drama: sending money, food, clothes, drugs and all kinds of goods essential for your safety and care. But also organizing to help in the transfer of Ukrainian refugees to other countries or to welcome them once they have arrived at their destination.
also from laSexta and Atresmedia we have mobilized to fight against this serious situation. On the one hand, with the preparation of a guide with all the necessary information for Ukrainians who wish to enter and reside in Spain. On the other hand, collaborating with the Emergency Committee, made up of six NGOs (SOS Children’s Organizations, Educo, Doctors of the World, Oxfam Intermón, Plan International and World Vision) that come together to offer a rapid response mechanism in emergency situations that to increase citizen support in different humanitarian crises.
Information from the European Union for people fleeing the war in Ukraine
People fleeing the war in Ukraine and moving to the European Union can access the guide prepared by the European Commission where they will find key information about their rights after crossing the border into an EU country, the conditions for temporary protection and the application for international protection, as well as travel rights within the European Union. Also, recommendations and tips for preparing to leave Ukraine or information on the free travel options offered by European transport companies.
– READ HERE: European Commission Guide in Ukrainian
– READ HERE: Guide of the European Commission in English
Guide for the reception, protection and residence of Ukrainian refugees
The Government of Spain has already activated the protocol to receive and care for Ukrainian refugees who, fleeing the war, decide to move to Spain. The ‘Guide on the temporary protection and reception of refugees in Spain’ details the basic rules, documentation and information necessary for displaced Ukrainians in Spain.
– Documentation necessary to enter Spain: People with Ukrainian nationality who wish to enter this country do not need a visa if they have a biometric passport. If they do not have this or other travel documents, they can go to a consular office of a country bordering Ukraine (Poland, Romania or Hungary, among others) where they will study their situation in detail and act accordingly. In the case of minors, a birth certificate and another that demonstrates the family bond or the type of relationship with the guardians or people who accompany them is necessary.
– Rights in Spain during temporary protection: People with Ukrainian nationality who enter Spain under a temporary protection regime can access a residence and work permit that will be valid for the duration of said protection. In addition, they have the right to work for themselves or for someone else, the right to benefits included in the reception system, the right to medical care and, for those under 18, the right to education under equal conditions.
– Who can apply for Temporary Protection: People with Ukrainian nationality who were in Spain before February 24, 2022 (with a visa or on a tourist or business trip) and who could not return to their country due to the war, Ukrainians who were in an irregular situation in Spain nor can they return to Ukraine due to the conflict and third-country or stateless persons who until now legally resided in Ukraine and who cannot return to their place of origin in safe conditions. This includes members of their families (except in the case of people in an irregular situation).
– How to access the reception system: The procedures for accessing the International Protection Reception System include a first evaluation of compliance with the requirements and the needs of the people requesting access and subsequently a referral to a reception position. To carry out this first assessment, it is necessary for the person to contact the entity that provides this service in the province, for which the list can be consulted on the Ministry’s website.
– Procedure for the reception system for displaced persons: It is carried out in two phases depending on the level of autonomy of the people: in the first, a device offers coverage of basic needs, helping people to acquire the necessary skills for the development of an independent life. The second phase begins when people end their stay in the reception facility and need to continue receiving support through financial aid for rent and attention to basic needs.
Information of interest after settling in Spain
– Emergency phone number in Spain: 112
– Police phone number: 091
– Telephone number for victims of Gender Violence:016
– Contact details of the Embassy of Ukraine in Spain:
- DirectionAddress: Calle Ronda de Abubilla, 52. ZIP: 28043. Madrid, Spain
- phones: +34917489360 / +34913887178
Other telephone numbers of interest for displaced persons from Ukraine
Collaborate with the Emergency Committee
This body has launched different ways to channel aid and be able to provide a faster and more effective response in order to meet the current needs and those affected by the crisis in Ukraine. Here you have the necessary data to help Ukrainians through this service.
– Transfer: ES24 2100 5731 7202 0035 4082
– Bizum: code 02076
– Telephone: 900-595-216
– SMS: word ‘TOGETHER’ to 28014
– Web page: www.comiteemergencia.org
Information on the reception of Ukrainian refugees
Spanish Cooperation, dependent on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has informed Spanish citizens of information to help in the crisis in Ukraine. Whether you want to collaborate as a citizen, as an institution or as a company, you can access the series of recommendations and useful data to channel your contribution in the most efficient way possible:
We also offer information on the different platforms that work to process and facilitate the evacuation and reception process for Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war. Organizations like ‘together for life‘, ‘Nad’s childhood‘, ‘Come with us‘, ‘SOS Children’s Villages‘, ‘Expoaction‘, ‘Children from Ukraine and Andalusia‘ or ‘CREATE Ciudad Real to help children‘ have been launched with different help procedures and information that can be read by clicking on each of their names.
Source: Lasexta
Mario Twitchell is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his insightful and thought-provoking writing on a wide range of topics including general and opinion. He currently works as a writer at 247 news agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
