On 24 August 2022, members of the Ukrainian community in Bratislava celebrated the Independence Day of Ukraine. People in the Gabcikovo Accommodation Facility who fled the war and found temporary refuge here also joined the celebration.

Ukrainian community in Bratislava at the event Independence Day of Ukraine. Photo © International Organization for Migration (IOM) 2022.

Interesting programme with artists and art of children and adults, folklore, modern Ukrainian music and songs, traditional refreshments, and activities of assisting organisations in Slovakia for Ukrainians were introduced at the event.

This Welcoming Slovakia event was organised by the IOM Migration Information Centre (MIC) in partnership with the civic association Sme Spolu and the community centre – Ukrainian-Slovak House in Ovručská Street operated by the City of Bratislava where the event was held.

People acquired important information about what services, assistance and programme opportunities provided by both organisations they can benefit from. An IOM MIC legal consultant and a consultant for employment and social issues actively replied to the questions from attendees.

In the Gabcikovo Accommodation Facility, people from Ukraine joined the celebration of the Ukrainian Flag Day and the Ukrainian Independence Day. In the premises providing temporary shelter for over 970 people that fled war in Ukraine, IOM made a great atmosphere and held workshops for children with face painting and bracelets making in the colours of the Ukrainian flag.

Workshops for children at the Gabcikovo Accommodation Facility. Photos © International Organization for Migration (IOM) 2022.

With support of:

Migration Information Centre to Support Integration of Migrants in Slovakia (phase X, Individual Project). The project is co-funded by the European Union from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF). Home Affairs Funds.