UNHCR supports the government to provide essential aid and protection services to refugees and asylum seekers, with a focus on facilitating socioeconomic inclusion and social cohesion.

UNHCR assists Bulgaria to strengthen its asylum system in line with international and EU standards. In the second half of the year, following the release of the European Commission’s common implementation plan,

UNHCR focuses its support to the Government for the development national implementation plan for the EU Asylum and Migration Pact.

Operational Context

The evolving situation in Ukraine and the changing needs of refugees have led to a realignment of UNHCR’s areas of intervention. UNHCR’s efforts are accelerating in fostering inclusion through access to socio-economic inclusion opportunities and to national social protection system and promoting community resilience and mobilization.

Prevailing protection gaps with respect to international protection applicants and beneficiaries necessitates reinforcement of UNHCR’s work in several key areas. These include facilitating access to territory and status, improving reception conditions, enhancing access to the national social protection system, and bolstering community mobilization and support. Our aim is to create a more supportive environment for protection and inclusion from the moment individuals arrive and throughout their integration process after their status is recognized. Refugees, in particular unaccompanied children and other vulnerable people should have access to protection and solutions regardless of considerations about their assumed intentions.