UNHCR Czechia published the final report of its Multi-Sector Needs Assessment (MSNA) series at the end of 2023. It presents the findings of a comprehensive survey conducted between June and July 2023 among more than 1 200 refugees from Ukraine who arrived in the Czech Republic after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The MSNA is an essential step in the formulation of the 2024 Refugee Response Plan.

Image source: UNHCR Czechia 2023

The data documents a number of positive developments, particularly in the process for granting temporary protection and in education, and identifies areas where improvements are needed to strengthen the socio-economic inclusion of refugees.

Important findings:

28% people surveyed reported difficulties in obtaining information on their legal status, while 44% said they do not know which information to trust or where to look for it;
14% women and 11% men surveyed do not feel safe in their neighbourhood of residence. Half of the respondents also expressed concerns about the safety and mental health of their children, in relation to such issues as bullying, cyberbullying and online threats;
the biggest barrier to finding employment was found to be a lack of language skills (43%) and lack of suitable jobs (15%);
21% households surveyed have fallen behind in paying for accommodation due to financial difficulties;
16% those aged 15 - 24 are neither employed nor in education (NEET);
One third of those surveyed have experienced hostile behaviour from the host community.