Posted by Jerzy Ordega
The Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24th February 2022 began the largest refugee crisis in Europe since World War II. More than 7.7 million refugees left the Country. Additionally, about 8 million people have been displaced in Ukraine as their houses have been destroyed or have become too dangerous to live in. Approximately 35% of the country’s 44 million population have been forced to leave their homes. 90% of Ukrainian refugees are women and children as men of ages 18-60 are banned from leaving Ukraine in order to fight the Russian invaders.
 
The vast majority of refugees are directly entering neighbouring countries to the west of Ukraine. 
Thus, Poland has taken so far 4 million refugees from Ukraine. The other countries who have given assistance are Romania, Moldova, Hungry and Slovakia. Some refugees have moved further to the west to other countries. However, most Ukrainian refugees prefer to stay in Poland and other Central European countries, as those countries had a pre-existing diaspora [E.g. - more than 1.5 million in Poland], and similar cultures and religions. Also, especially in Poland, the labour market can absorb a lot of workers, especially in I.T. and domestic fields.
 
To address the refugee problem, Poland’s government passed legislation to simplify entry formalities including, allowing refugees to stay in Poland without a visa for 18 months. One-off subsistence payments are being given to the Ukrainian refugees. Households, that give shelter to refugees are offered financial assistance. Adult refugees can work without a working permit. Ukrainian children are being encouraged to attend Polish schools. All Ukrainian refugees have access to the Polish health care system.
But much help is needed. The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, is providing some aid to arrivals, but it is not enough. A number of NGOs, including Rotary International, are helping Ukrainian refugees. Our Rotary Club i.e., Glenferrie in March 2022 decided to donate $5,000 to help Ukrainian refugees. It was agreed also that the best usage of the donated money will be if we join the existing Rotarian project. A link with the Rotary Club of Warsaw [Warszawski Klub Rotariański] was established and the money was transferred to them to be used by Rotarian Disaster Response Fund - Help for Ukraine.
 
The Warsaw Rotary Club [est. 1931] is supporting refugees in many areas. e.g., the Club is organizing and covering the cost of food for 60 Ukrainians living in a hotel; assisting in the transport of Ukrainian refugees to the other countries, including Sweden and Nederland; supplying personal care products and distributing donated clothes [container sent by French Rotary Club and garments donated by Polish manufacturers].  In the last period of 29 days, the Club helped 287 Ukrainian refugees at the total cost of 108,410 PLN = ca. AUD $35,000.
 
Their further plans to help Ukrainian refugees include food, transport, accommodation and basic needs, and helping/assisting in formalities. The Warsaw Rotary Club is helping in job hunts and in the adaptation to a new environment. Also, the Club will take an active role in the children's education.
 
The International Committee of the Rotary Club of Glenferrie will recommend to the board to donate a further $5,000 to be sent to the Rotary Club of Warsaw to further help Ukrainian refugees.
 
Jerzy Ordega