Ukraine is a gateway to Europe for refugees from Afghanistan, the Middle East, and Africa. Refugees in the Eastern European country often find it difficult, however, to get refugee status and to establish a new life.
In 2012, 1,860 people applied for refugee status, but only 63 got it. A 2011 refugee law meant to expand protection still only extended temporary protection to 89 people in 2012.
As of Jan. 1, 2013, there were 2,500 recognized refugees in Ukraine and 5,875 stateless people, according to statistics from the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR). Most refugees are from Afghanistan.
