A/HRC/53/26/Add.1
Ukrainian candidates with job offers from employers and to support Ukrainian entrepreneurs
in setting up their own businesses.
42.
Despite efforts made by authorities to facilitate the economic participation of mothers
of children below school age through the creation of more childcare places, challenges
remain. While the overall capacity of institutional childcare has increased, it has not
effectively addressed the needs of these mothers, who are also challenged by the language
barrier and lack of skills.
Education
43.
School-age Ukrainian children can either continue to pursue their Ukrainian schooling
online or attend public Polish schools. The delegation learned that over 200,000 Ukrainian
school-age children attended Polish schools in the second semester of the school year 2021–
2022. At the time of the visit of the Special Rapporteur, in July 2022, many students and
parents had not made up their mind whether to enrol in Polish schools for the school year
2022–2023 owing to uncertainties relating to the war. Many Ukrainian families still hoped to
return home soon. Concerns were raised over a potential sudden increase in newly registered
students and lack of capacity in the education system to make adjustments owing to that
possibility. The Special Rapporteur was informed, however, that the Ministry of Education
was ready to integrate 400,000 Ukrainian students into the Polish education system for the
school year of 2022–2023. It remains challenging to ensure meaningful integration of
Ukrainian children into Polish schools because of a number of factors, including the limited
availability of adaptation classes and the overstretched capabilities of schools and teachers.
44.
During school holidays, summer camps and other activities have been organized for
Ukrainian children in order to familiarize them with the communities they live in and to
facilitate integration. For instance, in Tomaszow Lubelski, the “Krokus” community centre,
in cooperation with the city hall, has organized therapeutic workshops for Ukrainian children.
Vulnerable populations
45.
In March 2022, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Family and Social Policy,
in cooperation with headquarters of the Polish Border Guard, developed a procedure for
dealing with unaccompanied minors crossing the border. Under this procedure, each
unaccompanied Ukrainian child is registered in the national system and assigned a temporary
guardian. In the event that it is not possible to appoint a temporary guardian, the child is
supported within the Polish foster care system. However, it remains unclear whether the
safeguards available under Polish national law apply to unaccompanied or separated
Ukrainian children.
46.
Ukrainian refugees with disabilities receive support through a three-module
programme under the State Fund for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled aimed at securing
their rehabilitation and residence needs, in particular housing, food, social needs, social
integration, specialized therapeutic and psychotherapeutic counselling and preparation for
entering the labour market. Over 1,460 persons with disabilities and their caregivers have
benefited from transportation and accommodation support. Additional benefits for Ukrainian
refugees with disabilities are also available under the family benefits scheme. Information
received indicated that proving disability remains a major challenge.
47.
Support and protection of victims of trafficking are provided by the national
intervention and consultation centre for victims of human trafficking. The main services of
the centre include preventive telephone counselling, provision of shelter and basic living
needs, crisis intervention and reintegration assistance. In response to the situation in Ukraine,
relevant ministries have also launched information campaigns, developed relevant
procedures, organized training sessions and issued guidance notes on the identification and
protection of victims of human trafficking.
48.
More than 10,000 Ukrainian refugees who have become victims of crime have
received assistance. As at 24 August 2022, the crime victims helpline had handled 119,134
calls about cases war-related crimes that occurred on Ukrainian territory.
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