About uS

There is a story about strength and community that comes from those who have faced hardship and loss. This story belongs to Ukrainian Voices – RC, a refugee-led organization that is entirely composed of individuals who have fled Ukraine, seeking safety and a new beginning.

Ukrainian Voices – RC was created on July 22, 2022 under the support of the UNHCR Belgium – Luxembourg . Since 2019, the UNHCR has worked to bring together different refugee communities — LGBTQ+ groups, women’s organizations, and refugees from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, Eritrea, Guinea, Mali, and Ukraine. This group aims to help these communities face the challenges of settling into life in Belgium, making sure they feel supported and integrated.

At the core of Ukrainian Voices lies a commitment to care and solidarity. What started as an informal gathering of people in need has grown into an organized community, helping its members overcome challenges as they try to integrate into Belgian society.

Most members of Ukrainian Voices are women with dependents, which makes the group different from other refugee or migrant communities in Belgium.Ukrainian Voices is a story about finding hope and strength through each other. It shows how, even in difficult times, a community can come together and help each other create a better future.

Mission

PROTECTION AND CARE THROUGH
INTEGRATION PROCESS

Project

Ukrainian Voices
Refugee-led organization

Historical background

07/04/2022
Launch of the international volunteer movement and focus group to support newly arrived refugees from Ukraine. 
15/05/2022
Coordination meeting with BPTU, a representative of the BXL government, and UNHCR at ULB – Solbosch Campus.  
24/06/2022
Job Day information session at ULB – Solbosch Campus.  
22/07/2022
Signing of the Ukrainian Voices  RC Statute.  
16/08/2022
Opening of the first shelter for Ukrainian refugees (Esplanade). 
21/08/2022
Education Day information session at ULB – Solbosch Campus. 
27/08/2022
Opening of the first Ukrainian Voices Community Center in Brussels.  
04/09/2022
Housing Day information session at ULB – Solbosch Campus.  
09/10/2022
Visit of Amina Mohammed, UN Press Secretary.
07/11/2022
Press conference at the European Parliament about the rights of BPTU, with the intervention of Ukrainian Voices President Alina Kokhanko.  
17/12/2022
Women’s Bazaar, a multicultural event for the refugees living in Brussels.
10/01/2023
Opening of the new Community Center at Rue du Commerce 44.  
24/02/2023
Visit of Ukrainian Voices to the European Parliament, sharing the experiences of refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine.  
23/03/2023
Opening of the fourth Ukrainian Voices shelter (Gazometr).  
14/12/2023
Presentation of the Brussels Model at the Global Refugee Forum (GRF).  
08/01/2024
Opening of the Ukrainian Community Center at a new location, rue de la Loi 89.

Our team

We have rapidly expanded into a large organization, and today our team comprises 60 contracted employees across various projects. Our operations are further supported by a dedicated team of 12 refugee coordinator volunteers and 350 passionate volunteers. Together, we work tirelessly to provide essential support and resources to refugees in Belgium.