Interchurch Aid Ukrainian Refugee Center in Budapest

In addition to its internationally significant humanitarian role in Ukraine, the Hungarian Interchurch Aid (HIA) is also a major participant in refugee aid work in Hungary. In order to provide more efficient and complex assistance to those in need arriving in Hungary from Ukraine, the Taipei Representative Office is supporting the establishment of a refugee center in downtown Budapest with a grant of USD 1.5 million.

According to a communiqué issued this Wednesday, staff and volunteers will provide information, social support, training and employment assistance, as well as material donations and community programs to help refugees temporarily staying in Hungary and those who wish to resettle here. 

Liu Shih-chung, Head of the Taipei Representative Office in Hungary and László Lehel, President and CEO of HIA, have held a press conference to present the details of the refugee center and the cooperation, and to sign the support contract in a ceremony.

In addition to the humanitarian aid program of the HIA in Ukraine, its activities in Hungary to assist Ukrainian refugees have now reached an important milestone. The center, which is scheduled to open in the second half of June, will provide in-kind donations (food, hygiene products, clothing, childcare equipment, etc.) as well as information, legal, integration and spiritual support.

The center’s priority will be to provide long-term assistance to those who are planning their future in Hungary. In addition to providing access to education, healthcare, employment and adult education, the center will also help with childcare and language learning. Special attention will also be paid to supporting unaccompanied minors, people with disabilities and the elderly. For both adults and children, community and community-building leisure and outreach programs will be organized, with a focus on talent management and social inclusion, among other things.