Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has displaced millions of Ukrainian refugees abroad, raising questions about the policies and conditions required for sustainable return. Sustainable return is vital for Ukraine’s recovery, yet prolonged war deters and complicates it. This conference, part of the project Ukrainian Returns, examines the legal, political, and humanitarian dimensions of return and reintegration. It explores what return means for displaced Ukrainians, for host communities in Norway and Europe, and for Ukraine’s future reconstruction.
Programme
08:30–09:00 Coffee and registration
09:00–09:15 Opening remarks
- Erlend Paasche, Institute for Social Research (ISF)
- Fumiko Nagano, Chief of Mission, IOM Norway
09:15–10:15 Panel 1: Return and policy responses to Ukraine’s mass displacement
- Robert Turner, Chief of Mission, IOM Ukraine
- Fredrik Bøckman Finstad, Director General for department of Immigration, Ministry of Justice and Public Security
- Mads H. Almaas, Secretary General, Norwegian Organization for Asylum Seekers (NOAS)
- Moderator: Erlend Paasche, Institute for Social Research (ISF)
10:15–10:30 Coffee break
10:30–11:30 Panel 2: Strategic implications of Ukrainian return
- Natalia Novytska, Second Secretary, Embassy of Ukraine
- Oleksandra Deineko, Senior Researcher, Oslo Metropolitan University
- Michael Newson, Head of Recovery and Development Programs, IOM Ukraine
- Moderator: Nataliya Yeremeyeva, Norwegian-Ukrainian Advocacy Hub
11:30–11:40 Closing Remarks
- Erlend Paasche, Institute for Social Research (ISF)
11:40–12:40 Lunch
The event is open to the public, but requires registration. The program will be streamed live and recorded. This event will be held in English.