#IOMThroughTheirEyes

In the midst of the ongoing war in Ukraine, the IOM interpreters in Hungary are dedicated to easing the transition for refugees who have fled their homes. Amid the hurricane, many people struggle to adapt to an unfamiliar environment without knowing the local language.

As a crucial element of social inclusion, IOM Hungary has been providing invaluable in-person and phone interpreter services for Ukrainian and third-country national refugees since the outbreak of the war. Many rely on these services, who place their trust in IOM interpreters.

"Robert, a remarkable IOM Interpreter, has been following our lives since we arrived in Hungary," emphasizes Veronika. "He was there even during my second pregnancy, offering interpretation at medical appointments. He knows our story and has been crucial in helping us navigate this entirely new environment. My older daughter has formed a bond with him; he encourages her to be brave, like today at the dentist," Veronika adds with a smile.

Veronika and her family fled from Nikopol to Budapest at the onset of the war. "Dealing with the stress of war and adjusting to life in a completely foreign country is incredibly challenging," she shares. "The support we received from IOM Hungary was a lifesaver; it helps relieve the sense of isolation we would otherwise feel."

Robert reflects, "I find fulfillment in the conversations I have with beneficiaries during interpretation work. It's not just about bridging cultures through translation, it is about immersing ourselves in the individual stories of each person, and experiencing first-hand the diversity of ways people adjust to life in a foreign country."

Interpretation services are made available thanks to the generous support of the German Federal Foreign Office and the Government of Sweden.