A report from the High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) published this Thursday, February 15 and presented to the National Assembly, takes stock of the civic accommodation of Ukrainian refugees who have arrived in France since the start of the conflict with Russia. This document makes recommendations so that this unprecedented solidarity can become a model for welcoming other migrants when it is supervised by the State.
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For The report of the French branch of the High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) supported citizen accommodation constituted “ a key component of the State’s response » in the face of the influx of Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war with Russia.
Around 17,000 Ukrainian refugees were welcomed by nearly 7,000 accommodation providers as part of this state-supported system. This system must be clearly differentiated from spontaneous citizen accommodation, which is supervised by the State with the assistance of reference associations such as the Jesuit Refugee Service, or Singa.
Aid of 150 euros
Shortly after the Russian attack on Ukraine on February 24, 2022 and faced with the influx of Ukrainian refugees, the State put itself in working order in March in France. A sponsorship platform was launched where more than 40,000 offers were posted. At the same time, the interministerial crisis unit and the Dihal (Interministerial Delegation for Access to Housing) provided the framework and guidelines, recalls The world.
Many French people began welcoming Ukrainians in the spring. “ While until now citizen accommodation concerned some 300 people per year, at least via the two large associations JRS and Singa, now, in a few weeks, no less than 40,000 people have offered accommodation for Ukrainians on the open platform. by the state », summarizes Yves Pascouau, co-author of a study commissioned by the High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in the journal The cross.
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At the beginning of October 2022, the State announces financial aid for hosts was even announced. In the amount of 150 euros per month, it was awarded on condition of having welcomed the Ukrainian refugees for at least three months. A system that certain migrant defense associations had denounced, citing a break in equality with other nationalities.
A model to follow?
Can solidarity with Ukrainian refugees be a model to follow for all migrants of other nationalities? In its study, the UNHCR puts forward several recommendations: the need for support for hosts, the definition of a precise duration and support that adapts to the specificities of the territories, the importance of support for people accommodated and hosts, and “ promotion of intercultural mediation “.
“ Without replacing public reception programs dedicated to the accommodation of asylum seekers and the socio-economic inclusion of refugees, citizen engagement could in the future play a more important complementary role, by facilitating inclusion and social cohesion », Underlines Paolo Artini, UNHCR representative in France, in the preamble to this report.
On the other hand, the report does not comment on the delicate question of compensation for hosts.