21
October
2022

The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine ― The broad fundamental rights impact in the EU - Bulletin 2

The Russian invasion of Ukraine triggered solidarity from EU governments, local authorities and society as they welcomed more than 7 million people fleeing the aggression. The European Union’s rapid response, activating the EU Temporary Protection Directive, offered welcome relief and much-needed support to those in need. It allowed displaced persons the opportunity to quickly settle and to work, travel and access services across the EU. But other pressing human rights issues have come to the fore and remain high on the EU’s agenda, such as human trafficking, sexual and gender-based violence, hate crime and hate-fuelled disinformation.
Overview

This second bulletin maps the complexity and scale of the war’s diverse fundamental rights implications right across the EU. It looks at the wide array of issues countries need to address to ensure people’s fundamental rights are upheld. It also draws attention to the plight of vulnerable groups. Furthermore, it identifies good practices for other countries to follow.

This issue covers the following topics:

  • Implementing the Temporary Protection Directive - Challenges and best practices
    • Initial arrival, information provision, registration and issuance of residence permits
    • Access to employment
    • Access to accommodation
    • Access to social welfare services
    • Access to healthcare, mental health care and special needs assistance
    • Access to education
    • Protection of unaccompanied children and access to guardianship
  • Addressing further challenges related to the arrival of displaced persons
    • Human trafficking and other forms of exploitation
    • Provision of information and support to victims of sexual and gender-based violence
    • Xenophobic disinformation and hate crime