Oxfam’s response to EU decision to extend the Temporary Protection Directive

In response to the EU’s decision to extend the Temporary Protection Directive for refugees fleeing Ukraine, Nicola Bay, Lead of Oxfam’s Ukraine response, said:

“This decision is a lifeline for the millions of people who have been forced to leave Ukraine. It was and remains unprecedented on paper, and should be the blueprint for how Europe responds to refugees.

“But EU countries must apply it equally to all refugees fleeing Ukraine. Marginalized groups, such as Roma communities from Ukraine, too often face discrimination and have additional hurdles to jump over.

“Every day people forced to leave countries affected by war and conflict arrive in Europe and are met with hostilities and, in some instances, violent pushbacks. Initiatives, like the Temporary Protection Directive, show an alternative approach to how Europe can support those fleeing conflict. The EU must apply this same approach to all refugees, including through the Migration and Asylum Pact. It is now more important than ever that the international community upholds its commitments that afford everyone the right to flee persecution and conflict and to seek refuge.”