” I skipped class to come and help », explains Markov. The 23-year-old works as a volunteer translator in the new reception point for Ukrainian refugees, opened in the 15th arrondissement by the City of Paris. The student in his first year of license at the Sorbonne comes to facilitate exchanges between associations and refugees. “ I am Russian-Ukrainian so I am very affected by this war. Since February 24 [date du début de l’invasion russe en Ukraine], I could no longer eat or sleep. I had to find a way to help. »
Markov is one of 400 people who have volunteered with the France Terre d’Asile association. “ Most feel concerned because they are of Ukrainian origin or know what it is like to have to leave their country » , explains Julie Versino, member of the association for the protection of refugees. The interpreters take turns to provide assistance at all times. “ Luckily they are there », says Katia, a member of the association. More than 400 Ukrainian refugees come to this center every day to be registered.
“ Sometimes we get insulted »
“It’s not easy,” explains Markov. Some letters can be translated in different ways in French. The student struggles to transcribe the information, written in the Cyrillic alphabet on the passport of the elderly lady seated next to him. Registration of a request for accommodation, appointment with the prefecture to obtain temporary protection, the young man accompanies him to all his interviews. The exchange takes place calmly. But, “sometimes we are insulted, I was even wished to die,” says the interpreter, a volunteer since the day before.
“I think some take it out on us translators because we’re the only ones who understand their native language,” he says. “At times like these, I remain present and I listen to them,” explains Kateryna, another volunteer interpreter. I know that they especially need to be heard. “She experienced the same thing when she lived in the Donbass in 2014. “I tell myself that in their place I will be the same. The two performers take it upon themselves despite their own anxieties. Markov remains without news of his father and his brother, mobilized for the war. For her part, Kateryna still has family in Irpin, under the bombardments.
An extraordinary mobilization
“ If a person needs to talk, to express themselves on personal things, I direct them to competent people, psychologists, explains Assil. I stick to passing on information. » The 30-year-old works in the humanitarian sector and frequently does missions with refugees. Since the opening of the first reception center for Ukrainian refugees, it has helped the association France Terre d’Asile to welcome them. “ At first it broke my heart but I learned to put distance »she explains, convinced of being more effective by remaining in her role.
“ If there was such a surge of solidarity in every humanitarian crisis, it would be incredible », she says. Assil hears the frustration of his colleagues who have less means to help refugees from the “ forgotten humanitarian crises, to which we have become accustomed. » But, she wants to take advantage of the help given to those who come from Ukraine, as long as there is any. “ I hope that the mobilization will continue, we will need people to welcome these people over the long term. »