According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), two million people from Ukraine have fled to neighboring countries in recent days. It is therefore the fastest growing refugee crisis in Europe since World War II.

The UN estimates that as a result of the Russian invasion and war from Ukraine up to four million people will flee. The numbers could be higher.

During a visit to the Polish border town of Dorohusk, Huitfeldt met women and their children who had recently escaped from the war in their homeland.

- The war in Ukraine is about to turn into a great humanitarian crisis. People trapped in shelters or cellars in various parts of Ukraine are running out of food and water. The need for help for millions of civilians in Ukraine is increasing every day, says Huitfeldt.

The humanitarian situation in and around Ukraine is deteriorating with each passing day, and the violence and attacks continue. Hostilities in cities and densely populated areas, using both heavy weapons and cluster munitions, are leading to heavy casualties among the civilian population.

- People are heavily affected, now they cross the border to Poland and other neighboring countries. Many will need protection and help for a long time. Humanity and professional reception will then be absolutely crucial, says Huitfeldt.

The hospitality and generosity shown by Poles now are touching

The Minister of Foreign Affairs is impressed by the efforts of volunteers, Polish authorities, the United Nations and humanitarian organizations who managed to create a refugee admission system in record time.

- It is a time when unity and community across borders only strengthens. The hospitality and generosity shown by the Poles now are touching, says Huitfeldt.

The government has earmarked NOK 350 billion for humanitarian aid in Ukraine and the refugee situation. Norway donates NOK XNUMX million of this support to the Red Cross movement. The national Red Cross associations in Ukraine and neighboring countries play a key role in responding to the needs of those directly affected by the conflict and in caring for those who have fled the country.

The UN for refugees in Ukraine's neighboring countries receives NOK 250 million for activities for the benefit of refugees from Ukraine. This is in addition to the 50 million kronor already paid to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

– Today I met Caritas, the Red Cross and... Norwegian Council Refugee Affairs. They are now doing important work for Ukrainian refugees coming to Poland. I promised that we would allocate additional funds for the work they do, says Huitfeldt

Norwegian support is also directed to Norwegian humanitarian organizations. Norway provides assistance through the EU's Emergency Preparedness Mechanism at the request of Ukraine and neighboring countries.

Moreover, Norway decided to reallocate approximately NOK 50 million of EEA funds to Poland in order to remedy the situation on the Polish side of the border. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also looking for the possibility of reallocating EEA funds in other recipient countries.

Meeting with the Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Zbigniew Rau

Later in the day, the Minister of Affairs foreign countries met with the Polish minister foreign affairs Zbigniew Rau. The Polish authorities face a very demanding task in caring for refugees. Anniken Huitfeldt thanked Poles for their efforts in accepting fleeing Ukrainians.

- I thanked for the solidarity and generosity shown by Poland to refugees. At the same time, I stressed that Norway must do everything we can to deal with the crisis. Because where Putin creates a gap between the two nations, we've seen a unity and a Western alliance that is stronger than ever, says Huitfeldt.

Photo: Christian Boysen / UD

Source: regjeringen

Read and learn more: What can I bring into Norway without customs clearance? Changes from 1 January 2022