Polish ombudspersons and civil society discuss the phase-out of support measures for Ukrainians

Following the entry into force of the Act gradually phasing out several provisions of the Act on Assistance to Citizens of Ukraine in Connection with the Armed Conflict on the Territory of Ukraine, the offices of the Polish Ombudsperson (Commissioner for Human Rights) and the Ombudsperson for Children held a series of meetings with stakeholders to discuss support for vulnerable applicants.

On 13 April 2026, the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights met with several CSOs. Participants highlighted difficulties in accessing healthcare services and social security benefits. Particular attention was drawn to the situation of single mothers, persons with disabilities and their caregivers, as well as members of the Roma minority.

On 20 April 2026, the Office of the Ombudsperson for Children met with UNICEF to discuss the situation of Ukrainian children in foster care, including the financing of activities supporting the child protection system.

Likewise, on 5 May 2026, representatives of both the Office of the Ombudsperson for Children and the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights met with several CSOs to discuss problems arising from the phasing-out of existing support mechanisms for Ukrainian citizens. Among the issues raised were difficulties in accessing the 800+ childcare benefit, including delays in the processing of applications; the gradual withdrawal of support in collective accommodation centres, increasing the risk of homelessness among some Ukrainian families; limited access to psychological support for children from Ukraine, compounded by language barriers and a lack of trust in the system; problems related to legal stay; and difficulties in obtaining international protection.

In addition to representatives of both ombudspersons’ offices, the meeting was attended by representatives of the IOM and several organisations supporting refugees and protecting children's rights, namely the NOMADA Association for the Integration of Multicultural Society (Stowarzyszenie na Rzecz Integracji Społeczeństwa Wielokulturowego NOMADA), Polish Humanitarian Action (Polska Akcja Humanitarna), Zustricz Foundation (Fundacja Zustricz), "Our Ombudsman" Initiative (Inicjatywa „Nasz Rzecznik”), Catholic Intelligentsia Club (Klub Inteligencji Katolickiej), Towards Dialogue Foundation (Fundacja W Stronę Dialogu), Association for Legal Intervention (Stowarzyszenie Interwencji Prawnej), AB Show Foundation (Fundacja AB Show), Polish Humanitarian Action (Polska Akcja Humanitarna), "Ukrainian Home" Foundation (Fundacja “Ukraiński Dom”), "HOME is Where YOU Are" Foundation (Fundacja “DOM tam, gdzie TY”), Homo Faber Association (Stowarzyszenie Homo Faber), Ocalenie Foundation (Fundacja Ocalenie), Rubikus.HelpUA and the Mudita Association (Stowarzyszenie Mudita).

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