Our work in Poland
As of 2024, eight countries neighbouring Ukraine are covered by the ICRC’s regional delegation based in Warsaw. Its protection work supports the ICRC’s bilateral confidential dialogue with Ukraine and Russia, while its support to the National Societies focuses on the protection of family links and the promotion of the proper use of the red cross emblem. It also promotes understanding of and respect for principled humanitarian action and international humanitarian law. In addition to Poland, it covers Hungary, Romania, Czechia, Slovakia, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.
In Poland, the ICRC responds to the humanitarian needs triggered by the international armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine. It does so by supporting the Polish Red Cross which helps families clarify the fate and whereabouts of their loved ones, and by supporting the work of our teams in Ukraine and Russia. We also support the Polish Red Cross in dissemination of humanitarian principles, strengthening its emergency preparedness and communications.
Our priorities
- Support the Polish Red Cross in restoring contact between separated families, clarifying what happened to relatives who have gone missing as a result of the armed conflict, and addressing any other challenges families of the missing may face.
- Interview refugees in Poland to better understand the security concerns they faced in Ukraine or during their journey. This in turn helps our colleagues in Ukraine and the Russian Federation analyse patterns and remind parties to the international armed conflict of their obligations under international humanitarian law (IHL).
- Promote knowledge of and respect for the emblems and Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and for the Geneva Conventions.
