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The Third Year of War: The Lives of Ukrainian Refugees in Norway
The war in Ukraine, which began in 2022, has now entered its third year. According to approximate estimates, more than a million people have fallen victim to this conflict. Millions more have lost their homes, been forced to flee, and sought refuge in other countries.
Norway, one of the most prosperous and religious countries in Europe, has welcomed approximately 100,000 Ukrainians since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. While the government continues to review its policies for accommodating refugees, after March 2025, Ukrainians under collective protection face uncertainty regarding their future stay and rights.
At first glance, the path of a Ukrainian refugee in Norway seems well-organized. Upon arrival, their documents are verified by the police and other authorities. Refugees are then sent to temporary accommodation camps — “mottak,” where they are provided with basic support. The next step involves resettlement to a municipality (“kommune”), which provides housing and organizes participation in an integration program.
Integration and Harsh Realities
The integration program includes learning the Norwegian language and practical training at local businesses. This aims to help refugees adapt more quickly and find their place in society. However, behind the façade of a well-functioning system lie instances of rights violations and infringements on human dignity.
In the municipality of Hjelmeland, for example, some refugees face openly unacceptable treatment. In one instance, three adults were housed in a 36 m² home, violating international standards for living space per person. Municipal officials then threatened eviction, blaming the refugees themselves for allegedly breaching housing conditions.
Particular attention has been drawn to the actions of Ruth Nina Fiskå Rypestøl, a municipal employee responsible for working with refugees. Her behavior has been described as intimidation, blackmail, and threats. This situation has become emblematic of systemic issues in the process of accommodating and integrating Ukrainian refugees.
Help and Protection Are Needed
Unfortunately, such cases are not isolated. Refugees who find themselves in similar conditions often do not know where to turn for help. We strongly encourage those affected to reach out to human rights organizations, file complaints in court, and publicly highlight instances of rights violations.
Norway remains a shining example of a country providing significant support to people affected by war. However, the story of Ukrainian refugees in Norway underscores the importance of closely monitoring the integration process and fighting to uphold the rights of every individual.
The war in Ukraine, which began in 2022, has now entered its third year. According to approximate estimates, more than a million people have fallen victim to this conflict. Millions more have lost their homes, been forced to flee, and sought refuge in other countries.
Norway, one of the most prosperous and religious countries in Europe, has welcomed approximately 100,000 Ukrainians since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. While the government continues to review its policies for accommodating refugees, after March 2025, Ukrainians under collective protection face uncertainty regarding their future stay and rights.
At first glance, the path of a Ukrainian refugee in Norway seems well-organized. Upon arrival, their documents are verified by the police and other authorities. Refugees are then sent to temporary accommodation camps — “mottak,” where they are provided with basic support. The next step involves resettlement to a municipality (“kommune”), which provides housing and organizes participation in an integration program.
Integration and Harsh Realities
The integration program includes learning the Norwegian language and practical training at local businesses. This aims to help refugees adapt more quickly and find their place in society. However, behind the façade of a well-functioning system lie instances of rights violations and infringements on human dignity.
In the municipality of Hjelmeland, for example, some refugees face openly unacceptable treatment. In one instance, three adults were housed in a 36 m² home, violating international standards for living space per person. Municipal officials then threatened eviction, blaming the refugees themselves for allegedly breaching housing conditions.
Particular attention has been drawn to the actions of Ruth Nina Fiskå Rypestøl, a municipal employee responsible for working with refugees. Her behavior has been described as intimidation, blackmail, and threats. This situation has become emblematic of systemic issues in the process of accommodating and integrating Ukrainian refugees.
Help and Protection Are Needed
Unfortunately, such cases are not isolated. Refugees who find themselves in similar conditions often do not know where to turn for help. We strongly encourage those affected to reach out to human rights organizations, file complaints in court, and publicly highlight instances of rights violations.
Norway remains a shining example of a country providing significant support to people affected by war. However, the story of Ukrainian refugees in Norway underscores the importance of closely monitoring the integration process and fighting to uphold the rights of every individual.
The Third Year of War: The Lives of Ukrainian Refugees in Norway
The war in Ukraine, which began in 2022, has now entered its third year. According to approximate estimates, more than a million people have fallen victim to this conflict. Millions more have lost their homes, been forced to flee, and sought refuge in other countries.
Norway, one of the most prosperous and religious countries in Europe, has welcomed approximately 100,000 Ukrainians since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. While the government continues to review its policies for accommodating refugees, after March 2025, Ukrainians under collective protection face uncertainty regarding their future stay and rights.
At first glance, the path of a Ukrainian refugee in Norway seems well-organized. Upon arrival, their documents are verified by the police and other authorities. Refugees are then sent to temporary accommodation camps — “mottak,” where they are provided with basic support. The next step involves resettlement to a municipality (“kommune”), which provides housing and organizes participation in an integration program.
Integration and Harsh Realities
The integration program includes learning the Norwegian language and practical training at local businesses. This aims to help refugees adapt more quickly and find their place in society. However, behind the façade of a well-functioning system lie instances of rights violations and infringements on human dignity.
In the municipality of Hjelmeland, for example, some refugees face openly unacceptable treatment. In one instance, three adults were housed in a 36 m² home, violating international standards for living space per person. Municipal officials then threatened eviction, blaming the refugees themselves for allegedly breaching housing conditions.
Particular attention has been drawn to the actions of Ruth Nina Fiskå Rypestøl, a municipal employee responsible for working with refugees. Her behavior has been described as intimidation, blackmail, and threats. This situation has become emblematic of systemic issues in the process of accommodating and integrating Ukrainian refugees.
Help and Protection Are Needed
Unfortunately, such cases are not isolated. Refugees who find themselves in similar conditions often do not know where to turn for help. We strongly encourage those affected to reach out to human rights organizations, file complaints in court, and publicly highlight instances of rights violations.
Norway remains a shining example of a country providing significant support to people affected by war. However, the story of Ukrainian refugees in Norway underscores the importance of closely monitoring the integration process and fighting to uphold the rights of every individual.
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