Portugal Hosts Ukrainian Families for Peace and Healing

Portugal is welcoming a group of Ukrainian mothers and children for a three-week initiative aimed at providing them with a “normal” experience amid the ongoing conflict in their homeland. The initiative, described by the Portuguese government as “remarkable,” is designed to support families of soldiers who have died or are missing in action.

On Saturday, March 2, 2024, a group consisting of 15 mothers and 18 children arrived at Lisbon Airport shortly after 16:00. These families, who traveled from the Chernihivska region in northern Ukraine, are now set to engage in activities focused on rehabilitation and cultural integration. This initiative is spearheaded by the Ukraine support organization, HelpUA.PT, as part of the European Programme for Psychological and Cultural Support for Families at War.

The journey to Portugal was arduous. The families traveled overland to Poland before flying from Warsaw to Lisbon, a trip that took approximately 20 hours. Ângelo Neto, Vice President of HelpUA.PT, explained that the Ukrainian military police escorted their bus to ensure safe passage through areas affected by the conflict.

Upon their arrival, Rita Júdice, the Minister of Justice, emphasized the importance of providing children, many of whom are aged between six and fourteen, with a respite from the traumas of war. “We really want these children to be able to experience peace during their time here,” she noted, highlighting that for many, the only memories they possess are tied to conflict. Júdice stated that the goal is to create a safe space where they can simply be children.

The programme includes “intensive psychological rehabilitation, cultural integration, and personal training,” with ongoing support provided by both Portuguese and Ukrainian psychologists, therapists, and volunteers. Júdice further expressed that this initiative reflects Portugal’s commitment to human rights and support for Ukraine, stating, “Justice doesn’t end in the courts. Justice is also lived out in the defence of human rights.”

Families from War-Torn Regions

Teresa Leal Coelho, ambassador of HelpUA.PT and former Social Democrat MP, accompanied the group to Portugal and spoke about the resilience of families from regions ravaged by war. “Bravery runs in their blood,” she said, noting that many of these families wish to maintain connections to their hometowns despite the ongoing conflict. Coelho highlighted that some towns currently face curfews, yet these families continue to strive for normalcy in their lives.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence selected the families for this initiative, focusing on those from areas most affected by the war. Coelho explained, “We can’t choose ourselves. The request was to choose families from a region most affected by the war.”

During their stay, the group will reside at the Fénix Centre in Ourém, which has previously hosted combatants and the war-wounded for rehabilitation. After three weeks, the families plan to return to their hometowns, as they express a desire to reunite with their loved ones. Coelho noted, “In other initiatives, families said they wanted to go back, to be with their husbands and fathers.”

Future Initiatives

Neto stressed the significance of this project in aiding the rehabilitation of these families. He mentioned the potential for similar initiatives in the future, pointing out that there are nearly one million mothers in vulnerable situations in Ukraine. The project initially began in the UK, which hosted 400 families during 2025. “I hope, on behalf of Portugal, that we will exceed 500,” he stated.

This initiative not only provides immediate relief for the families but also serves as a testament to the enduring support of the Portuguese government for Ukraine in humanitarian, political, and international terms. As these families embark on their journey in Portugal, they carry with them stories of resilience and hope, seeking a brief refuge from the harsh realities of war.