UNHCR Bulgaria published a Multi-Sector Needs Assessment (MSNA) to profile refugees with temporary protection status and identify their needs, intentions, and capacities. The report provided information on the demographics and social realities of refugees, as well as their accommodation, coping strategies, and experiences related to healthcare, social services, employment, and social cohesion. The survey was conducted between 21 December 2022 and 18 January 2023 by Global Metrics Ltd., with the collaboration of UNHCR. 

The study was conducted using a stratified sample with four subsamples:

1. Refugees accommodated in hotels and state recreational facilities under the governmental accommodation programme
2. Refugees who receive support through the Blue Dot hubs
3. Refugees in private accommodation
4. Refugees whose children are enrolled in the Bulgarian education system - schools and kindergartens

The main modules of questions in the study were:

• Demographic module
• Questions related to family separation
• Accommodation module
• Movement Intentions and Attitudes
• Access to Education
• Livelihoods
• Healthcare
• Social Protection
• Social Cohesion

Based on the results of the study, several key recommendations were made to the Bulgarian government in providing comprehensive support and fostering the successful integration of refugees from Ukraine into Bulgarian society:

1. Improve access to psychological and psychosocial support: Recognise the high need for psychological support among Ukrainian refugees and ensure that adequate resources and services are available to address their mental health needs. This includes providing information about available support, addressing language barriers, and ensuring affordability of services.
2. Enhance integration/inclusion efforts: Focus on promoting social cohesion and integration of refugees from Ukraine into Bulgarian society. This can be achieved through fostering positive interactions between refugees and local communities, promoting cultural understanding, and providing support for language learning and job opportunities. Furthermore, enrolment in schools can be supported through information campaigns, ensuring additional educational support and providing transportation.
3. Strengthen information dissemination: Improve the accessibility and clarity of information related to rights, services, and opportunities available to refugees from Ukraine. Enhance communication channels, including online platforms and social networks, to ensure that accurate and up-to-date information reaches refugees in a timely manner.
4. Address specific needs of vulnerable groups: Pay special attention to the needs of vulnerable groups, such as children, women, and persons with disabilities, ensuring their safety, well-being, and access to essential services. Develop targeted support programmes and initiatives to address their specific needs and challenges.
5. Combat discrimination and promote tolerance: Take proactive measures to combat discrimination and xenophobia towards Ukrainian refugees. Raise awareness, provide education on cultural diversity, and promote tolerance and acceptance among the local population through targeted campaigns and initiatives.
6. Strengthen institutional response: Improve the capacity and responsiveness of institutions involved in supporting Ukrainian refugees, including law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers, and educational institutions. Provide training at national and local level and resources to ensure effective and culturally sensitive service delivery.
7. Foster partnerships and coordination: Enhance coordination among relevant stakeholders at national and local level, including government agencies, municipalities, non-governmental organisations, and international partners, to maximise the effectiveness of support and integration efforts. Foster collaboration and information sharing to address the complex needs of refugees from Ukraine.