Since the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine in February 2022, over six million people have sought refuge in Europe. This large-scale displacement saw the first activation of the EU Temporary Protection Directive, a legal instrument that had remained dormant for two decades. The vast majority of refugees have since entered the EU and neighbouring countries like Moldova on Temporary Protection schemes.
A sizeable body of knowledge on these large populations of beneficiaries of Temporary Protection in Europe is being generated continuously. Hosting States, international organisations, NGOs, and academics are carrying out studies, surveys and other data gathering exercises to assess population sizes and movements and to examine other aspects of Temporary Protection holders that may inform relief action and support policies.
But the Ukraine refugee emergency has also shown again that there are still significant gaps in both academic knowledge and on-the-ground data about Temporary Protection holders in Europe. In addition, these two bodies of research do not always converse with each other. Some of the challenges are the result of regulatory and other restrictions in data gathering, making it difficult to disaggregate some data to nationality, gender age and other traits. Other challenges have to do with available research resources, policy priorities and other limitations.
To help close these gaps, the European Academic Refugee Interdisciplinary Network (EARIN), an interdisciplinary European academic network on refugees, forced displacement and statelessness co-chaired by ENSURED'S Lilian Tsourdi with UNHCR, will bring together universities, academic alliances, research institutions, and other relevant stakeholders for an exchange on Temporary Protection in Europe.
This EARIN event will consist of three segments, each with ample time and space for debate. The segments will revolve around the following themes and questions:
- Temporary Protection: current situation and future perspectives
- Temporary Protection: building knowledge
- How does Temporary Protection affect the education of refugees from Ukraine in Europe?
EARIN was established in November 2022 as a regional jointly owned network between UNHCR and representatives from universities, academic and research institutions and alliances in Europe. It operates in the framework of the implementation of the Global Compact of Refugees.
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