Latest News

Chair of Ukraine's Coodinative Council at the Anti-Discrimination Coalition emphasizes the importance of supporting LGBT refugees

All refugees flee for fear of their safety, but the reasons why they face such danger can differ greatly. Where they can safely seek refuge thus also differs. A country that may be a safe haven for those seeking asylum for political reasons may not be so safe for those fleeing because of their sexual orientation. Such is the case for Ukraine, explained Irene Fedorovych, chair of the country’s Coordinative Council at the Anti-Discrimination Coalition during the fifth session of the Salzburg Global LGBT Forum – Home: Safety, Wellness and Belonging.

“Ukraine is a unique country; we are a country of destination, where people come and seek refuge, but we are also a country which people flee,” Fedorovych explains. “When it comes to people from LGBTQI communities, those who come to Ukraine to ask for asylum normally do not feel safe.”

Ukraine has a low rate of refugee acceptance and what Fedorovych describes as a slow and inefficient asylum system that often leaves people without support during the process. Coupled with a high hate crime rate, including discrimination against LGBT individuals, many LGBT refugees are left feeling alienated.

“[We noticed] by working with our partners from LGBT non-governmental organizations that we were not ready,” she says. “We were not ready to understand that refugees might differ, that people flee for different reasons – it might be political or economical crises. But it might be sexual orientation and gender identity, and not everyone is ready to accept that [and] provide services without discrimination.”

While many LGBT individuals flee Ukraine due to persecution, the influx of LGBT refugees into the country stems from people fleeing often worse situations in neighboring countries, including Russia and Belarus. “That’s the easiest way – they can enter without a visa and stay for 90 days without permission. People are also trying to come to a country where at least they know the culture and the language is similar.”

Through her work, Fedorovych aims to ensure that refugees receive equal treatment and access to services, regardless of the reason for their application.

“We had to learn to deal with people. Making sure that we respect every side of them and explain to service providers what’s wrong, why people do not feel safe, why they do not want to go to certain service providers,” she explains, noting that transgender individuals, for example, may want a lawyer to accompany them to migration services due to the obstacles he or she may face.

Despite the difficulties still faced by LGBT asylum seekers, Fedorovych notes some progress has been made: “I think its our greatest victory that after years of work, UNHCR managed to hire a special consultant on LGBTQI issues.”

Video: Irene Fedorovych on the challenges LGBT refugees face in Ukraine