UNHCR current main role in Ukraine is to advise, assist and monitor the country's implementation of its responsibilities for the protection of refugees.

Ukraine adopted the first Refugee Law in 1993 and started to implement it in 1996. Since that time some 5,361 asylum seekers were recognised as refugees of whom around 2,346 continued to reside in Ukraine at the beginning of 2006.

In January 2002, Ukraine acceded to the 1951 Convention and its 1967 Protocol without any reservations. Thus Ukraine became 143rd state party to the Refugee Convention.

UNHCR implements its activities through 15 partner Government agencies and NGOs.