The unceasing military actions in Ukraine are estimated to have claimed the lives of over 400 children and left over 700 with life-changing injuries since the invasion in February. The real numbers are likely to be even higher. This conflict has triggered the largest refugee crisis in Europe since World War II. As a result millions of children from Ukraine will be spending this Christmas far from home and many far from their families as well.

IOM Bulgaria continues to support children and families that have fled the war in Ukraine and settled in Bulgaria. Apart from anything else, we try to do our best to lift the spirit of the children and evoke some positive emotions in their hearts. This week our representatives working in the Burgas region organised several Christmas celebrations for the Ukrainian children in various towns in the area. These celebrations were filled with music, laughter, different artistic performances, festive decoration prepared by the children themselves and lots of happy faces.

The Ukrainian refugee children furethermore received beautifully packed Christmas presents sent to Bulgaria all the way from the UK thanks to Foundation for social change and inclusion.

Despite the looming clouds of the ongoing war, the Christmas celebrations, organised in various towns,   were filled with enthusiasm, joy and zest for life. A lot of talent, inspiration, gratitude and hope can be seen in the beautiful eyes of the participants!

IOM Bulgaria supports people fleeing the war in Ukraine thanks to The Migrant and Refugee Fund (MRF) of the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB), The Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration of the U.S. Department of State and UK Aid Direct, funded by the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.