Special report on intangible cultural heritage of displaced Ukrainian communities : the perspective of Poland

In recent years, Poland has become a primary destination for work migrants from Ukraine in Europe. Furthermore, following the Russian aggression of 24 February 2022, more than half of people fleeing Ukraine crossed into Poland. Consequently, Poland has become an immigration country in a global perspective - it currently hosts the second largest community of refugees in the world numbering an estimated 3.4 million. The war poses a serious threat to the preservation and continuity of Ukraine’s cultural heritage. For the bearers of intangible cultural heritage, leaving the country is tantamount to detachment from the community and the cultural space that has so far provided the context for the cultivation of traditions and customs. Creating an environment that would allow for a continued practice of intangible heritage among refugees is not only an expression of respect for cultural diversity and human creativity, but also a sign of utmost care for the safeguarding of this priceless cultural wealth for future generations. This report serves as a point of departure for further development of activities aimed at safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage elements among Ukrainian communities in Poland. The report begins with an overview of statistical data on Ukrainian citizens in Poland. The scale of the current influx of refugees is unprecedented. Yet, Poland had already provided home for nearly 1.35 million of Ukrainian citizens who had arrived before the crisis. A comparison of the main migration trends prior to and succeeding February 24 offers a wider context for understanding of the situation of Ukrainians in Poland. The central part of the report presents the findings of a survey on the needs of Ukrainians who found refuge in Poland with regard to intangible cultural heritage (ICH). The survey was conducted in co-operation with more than 130 partners representing all geographical regions of Poland. The report relies upon a qualitative analysis of the survey. Based on the results, the report identifies traditions, groups of ICH bearers and primary stakeholders involved in the safeguarding process. It is preceded with a review of the existing legal framework established by the 2003 Convention. Through a brief reference to the Strategy on Reinforcement of UNESCO’s action for the protection of culture and the promotion of cultural pluralism in the event of armed conflict, we acknowledge the validity of its findings on the interconnectedness of ICH safeguarding, human rights enforcement, security issues and peacebuilding activities. In response to the crisis, we have witnessed an extraordinary mobilization of the whole society and an immediate response from the state government and local authorities alike. The last part of the report contains an overview of activities already performed by institutions and organisations in Poland in the field of intangible cultural heritage. It is followed with recommendations for future actions and final conclusions. The report was created as a part of activities performed by the Polish Support Center for Culture in Ukraine established by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage at the National Institute of Cultural Heritage (NID). The Institute’s expertise and the years-long Polish-Ukrainian co-operation have provided foundations for the organisation of comprehensive support for Ukraine’s cultural heritage from the day one of the war. Each refugee bears a story - a part of the Ukrainian intangible heritage. We must protect Ukraine’s culture as the reflection of the past, but also as a facilitator of peace for the future. This legacy will live on only if the people can survive and their stories are heard. We hope that this report will contribute to the overall raising awareness of the intangible cultural heritage. We wish you an inspiring read.