Since 24 February 2022, almost 5 million people have fled the Russian invasion of Ukraine and left the country. In neighbouring Poland, cities, NGOs and ordinary residents have been facing a challenge unprecedented in Europe’s post-war history as they attempt to address the needs of those arriving in their country from war-torn Ukraine. Large cities and, increasingly, small towns, are responding to a growing population of 2.8 million such forced migrants who have crossed into Poland, providing them with shelter, education, employment, and access to healthcare systems and social services.

The new CMR Webinars: Migration and Cities series discusses major challenges facing local Polish administrations, NGOs and other stakeholders who are supporting forced migrants from Ukraine, working to identify solutions that have been successful in other international contexts.

This webinar will focus on spatial policies related to hosting forced migrants. First, panellists engaged in managing and offering housing to forced migrants from Ukraine in Poland will discuss the main challenges they experience. Next, panellists with expertise in spatial policies from other countries will discuss relocation and other housing strategies that could act as good examples for Polish cities. They will explain the best spatial practices in hosting refugees from both short-term and long-term perspectives.