The couple decided to go to Slovakia and live abroad until the end of the war. “That’s where we found out about IOM’s housing assistance programme in Košice and were very relieved that a place was immediately available for us. We don’t know how long the war will last, but we needed to feel safe for a while,” Serhii says.

“We want to go home once the war is over. Our lives, families and hearts are in Ukraine,” adds Larysa. Like Yuliia, the couple started attending Slovak language courses organized by IOM. “We want to adapt as much as possible and try to settle into a new life. We are so thankful to everyone that helped us on our way to safety.”

Through its partnership with Airbnb.org, IOM has provided short-term accommodation in Slovakia to nearly 600 people coming from Ukraine. IOM’s housing assistance programme in Košice has provided mid-term lodging to over 100 refugees so far.

Since the war escalated in Ukraine, IOM has been assisting people fleeing to Slovakia with support ranging from temporary accommodation to food and necessary material items, mental health and psychosocial support, among others. In addition, IOM is building the capacity of frontline workers in counter-trafficking and in the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse.

As the war enters its second year, focus has shifted towards the integration of those who fled into Slovak society. This includes the provision of housing within improved transitional centres, legal, social and job counseling, Slovak language courses, and support to access education for children and find long-term housing.

Written by Kristína Lenárt and Dušana Štecová, IOM Slovakia.