The International Institute of Education, Culture and Diaspora Relations, Lviv Polytechnic National University, is launching a discussion platform dedicated to the problems of Ukrainian forced migrants. It focuses on three fundamental aspects:
- integration into a new society;
- identity preservation;
- return to Ukraine and reintegration.
With the onset of the Russian Federation’s full-scale war against Ukraine, millions of Ukrainians had to leave their places of residence and go abroad. A significant part settled in European countries (as of the beginning of 2023, there are more than 8 million of them, and almost 5 million of them received the status of temporary protection). Others migrated to the USA, Canada, Japan, China, and Australia.
Mass forced migration of Ukrainians abroad has become a challenge both for the recipient countries and for our state. Despite the introduced legislative possibilities, the process of adaptation of Ukrainians to the society of new countries remains difficult. At the same time, the likely return of Ukrainian migrants and their successful reintegration for the reconstruction of post-war Ukraine remains an acute issue.
In general, Ukrainian forced migration is an unprecedented phenomenon that can be considered a new phenomenon of global migration movements. It completely changes the paradigm of world migration processes, has many peculiarities, and therefore requires a separate understanding.
The first event within this platform will take place on May 25, 2023. Based on its results, we will determine priorities for future events and discussions. We will take into account the opinion of each participant.
During the event, together with invited well-known experts, politicians and public figures, we will discuss the following blocks of questions.
- How to ensure proper conditions for effective adaptation of Ukrainian forced migrants and their permanent connection with Ukraine? Are the steps already taken enough? What problems remain unsolved?
- What is the socio-economic status of Ukrainian forced migrants and their financial capabilities? How do forced migrants affect the society and economy of the main recipient countries?
- Are there opportunities to preserve Ukrainian national identity abroad? Will this wave of forced migrants become the new Ukrainian diaspora?
- When and under what circumstances is it possible for Ukrainian migrants to return? What changes is Ukraine making in strategic planning in the field of migration policy, in particular regarding the return of Ukrainians from abroad?
At the end of the meeting, all participants will be able to take part in voting to choose the topic of the next event.
We sincerely invite scientists who research issues related to Ukrainian migration to submit their findings in the format of theses to the collection. You can familiarize yourself with the terms of publication on our website and in the text of the registration form.
Registration continues until May 10, 2023.
The requirements for publication in the collection of theses are in the file attached.