In a remarkable effort to support the most vulnerable refugees, IOM Hungary, with generous funding from the Government of Sweden, made significant achievements in providing tailored protection services. The project, running between May 2023 and December 2024, has positively impacted the lives of more than 300 individuals, with over 120 receiving support in Budapest and more than 190 in Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg county, the critical border region between Hungary and Ukraine.

Understanding the challenges posed by language barriers, IOM Hungary has been instrumental in offering vital interpretation services for refugees. Hungarian-Ukrainian-Russian-speaking interpreters have facilitated effective communication for nearly 270 individuals in Budapest, ensuring people can access essential services and navigate their new environment with confidence.

"Robert, a remarkable IOM Interpreter, has been following our lives since we arrived in Hungary," emphasizes Veronika, a young mother from Ukraine. "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," she adds.

IOM Hungary's commitment to empowering refugees extended to providing reliable information about their rights, entitlements, and available services. Throughout the project, more than 2,800 individuals have been reached, ensuring they are well-informed and supported during their transition.

"I had been following IOM Hungary’s updates since the early days of the war, knowing that when the time came to leave, we would have a trustworthy source to rely on," Ganna, a refugee from Kharkiv recalls. "So, when we finally arrived in Budapest with my son, I knew exactly where to turn for the information we needed."

To enhance the self-reliance of refugees, IOM Hungary has implemented various inclusion activities in Budapest, benefiting more than 300 individuals. These activities included educational and recreational programs, labour market counselling, and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) consultations, all designed to meet the diverse needs of refugees.

A key component of the project was the provision of Hungarian language classes, helping refugees gain proficiency in the host country's language. Additionally, IOM has offered personalized labour market counselling, to extend employment support to more displaced individuals. These efforts have been crucial in empowering refugees to navigate the workforce and reduce the risk of exploitation.

IOM Hungary is deeply grateful for the financial support of the Government of Sweden and remains committed to improving the lives of people fleeing Ukraine.