What is the Temporary Protection Directive of 2001, and why has the EU invoked it for refugees of the Ukraine war?

What is the News?

Responding to refugee crisis due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the EU has made the unprecedented decision to activate the European Union’s Council Directive known as the Temporary Protection Directive (TPD). The war in Ukraine is the first time that the EU has invoked the TPD. 

What is the Temporary Protection Directive (TPD)?

The European Commission describes TPD as an exceptional measure to provide immediate and temporary protection to displaced persons from non-EU countries and those unable to return to their country of origin.

The directive applies when there is a risk that the standard asylum system is struggling to cope with demand stemming from a mass influx risking a negative impact on the processing of claims.

Why were the TPD standards established?

Firstly, having proper standards will reduce the disparities between the policies of European Union (EU) countries on the treatment of potential refugees during mass influx.

Secondly, the standards also promote burden-sharing among EU countries regarding receiving a large number of displaced persons in a short duration and bearing the consequences of receiving such persons.

What obligations does the TPD place upon EU states?

According to the European Commission, the TPD foresees harmonized rights for the beneficiaries of temporary protection which include:

– A residence permit for the duration of the protection (1-3 years).

– Appropriate information on temporary protection,

– Access to jobs, housing, social welfare, medical treatment, education for minors.

– Opportunities for families to reunite in some circumstances.

– Guarantees for access to the normal asylum procedure.

Source: This post is based on the article “What is the Temporary Protection Directive of 2001, and why has the EU invoked it for refugees of the Ukraine war?” published in Indian Express on 11th Mar 2022.