European Initiatives for Ukrainian Refugees

A number of grassroots projects have sprung up, in response to the mass numbers fleeing the war in Ukraine. Yet, there is still a way to go.

• A number of positive initiatives have arisen in response to the worsening situation in Ukraine. From tech startups, to the Danish Prime Minister, people across Europe are rallying in support.
• In Denmark the immigration minister announced that they will build refugee. These towns would be partially run by the Ukrainian people themselves.
• In Budapest, an LGBTQ+ community is providing refugees with a sense of purpose, through community projects and a garden. These are just two ideas of many.
• Such initiatives are brief moments of light, through the looming darkness of the war. Signs of humanity and a sense of collectivity. However, things are far from perfect.
• Many have called to question why such treatment has not been awarded to refugees coming from elsewhere. It has been pointed out that Ukrainian refugees have received a particularly unique treatment.
• Platforms must be wary of how they prioritize the safety of the refugees that they are trying to help, in order to ensure they avoid falling into the hands of those who may exploit or traffic them.