This report from Providus examines challenges in the support and integration of people displaced from Ukraine in Latvia.
Conducted from January - September 2024, the study highlights significant data gaps that hinder effective planning for refugee support. These gaps arise from fragmented data collection systems across various institutions, inconsistencies in how data is gathered, and the temporary nature of legal frameworks that focus on immediate needs rather than long-term integration. This has resulted in a lack of comprehensive data on key areas of integration such as employment, housing, and access to education, complicating efforts to provide targeted assistance.
The report also shares findings from 2 key surveys: one conducted among Ukrainian civilians residing in Latvia and the other among the native Latvian population. The former examined individuals' experiences with accessing social services, employment opportunities, housing, and Latvian language education. Many report facing barriers in these areas, alongside feelings of insecurity and a mixed sense of belonging. The latter explored public attitudes towards refugees displaced from Ukraine, with results deminstrating general support for the provision of support to this group, though opinions were found to vary on long-term integration and the requirement that new arrivals learn Latvian. These surveys provide both quantitative and qualitative insights, helping to better understand the lived experiences of refugees and the perspectives of the host society.
Details
- Authors
- Dace Meilija, Dārta Pelse, Iveta Kažoka, Laima Bērziņa, Līga Stafecka, Natālija Soldatova
- Geographic area
- Latvia
- Contributor type
- Non-Governmental Organisations/Civil Society
- Original source
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