Russia’s unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine has resulted in massive internal and external population displacement. The European Union (EU) rapidly activated its Temporary Protection Directive for the first time since it was adopted in 2001. This entitled nearly 4 million people to legal residence and access to work, housing and legal assistance, education and healthcare.

La guerre d'agression non provoquée de la Russie contre l'Ukraine a entraîné des déplacements massifs de personnes à l'intérieur et à l'extérieur du pays. L'Union européenne (UE) a rapidement activé sa directive relative à la protection
temporaire pour la première fois depuis son adoption en 2001. Cela a donné à près de 4 millions de personnes le droit à un séjour régulier et à un accès au travail, au logement, à l'assistance juridique, à l'éducation et aux soins de santé.

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.