Annual report

From Humanitarian Response to Long-Term Inclusion

Highlights from 2025 of UNICEF’s support to refugee children and families from Ukraine in Poland.

A refugee mother and her daughter at Sun Centre in Kraków, Poland — UNICEF/UNI796912/Brykczynski

English
Polish

Highlights

The UNICEF Refugee Response Office’s 2025 Annual Report presents the results of UNICEF’s work in 2025 supporting refugee children and families from Ukraine in Poland, as the response continued its transition from humanitarian assistance to long-term inclusion and system strengthening. By the end of 2025, nearly one million refugees remained under temporary protection in Poland, with children accounting for 38 per cent. Despite improved safety and stability for many families, evolving policies, shifting support frameworks, and ongoing socio-economic challenges continued to affect their well-being.

The report outlines how UNICEF adapted its programming to address the needs. As national systems increasingly assumed responsibility for refugee inclusion, UNICEF prioritized strengthening public services, advancing sustainable solutions, and ensuring that the most vulnerable children were not left behind. Particular focus was placed on children with disabilities, unaccompanied and separated children, adolescents, and families at heightened risk of poverty, exclusion, and social isolation.

In collaboration with government institutions, local authorities, and civil society organizations, UNICEF helped strengthen inclusive education, support school enrolment and retention, expand mental health and psychosocial services, promote adolescent participation and skills development, and reinforce child protection systems for protecting the most vulnerable. Efforts also included enhancing community engagement and accountability mechanisms to ensure refugee families had access to reliable information and could participate in decisions affecting their lives.

Looking ahead, 2026 will mark the final year of UNICEF’s refugee response operation in Poland. UNICEF will continue working with national and local partners to ensure a responsible transition of programmes, services, and expertise. By strengthening capacities, institutionalizing effective practices, and reinforcing system resilience, UNICEF aims to safeguard progress and ensure that all children in Poland can continue to learn, grow, and thrive.

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