The needs in Ukraine are enormous and hundreds of thousands of people are now fleeing. The partners on the ground report a major need for emergency assistance such as clean water, food, blankets, and hygiene items.
“It is critically important to help the civilian population now,” says Dagfinn Høybråten, Secretary-General at Norwegian Church Aid.
Norwegian Church Aid has allocated NOK 1 million from its own disaster reserve as a start to help ensure vital emergency aid to war-affected Ukrainians together with the ACT Alliance. The organization has also begun a new fundraising campaign in Norway to support and further strengthen its response.
Ukrainian refugees on the border with Hungary have received 28 tones of food and hygiene items from Norwegian Church Aid and the partner Hungarian Interchurch Aid. The emergency shipment is the first of a series of shipments to help Ukrainians who have fled for their lives and have nothing but what they are up to.
On February 24, Russia attacked Ukraine. With planes, bombs, and tanks, Russia has invaded the country, which thirty years ago liberated itself from the Soviet Union and became independent. This act has already had major consequences. Not since World War II have seen similar warfare in Europe.
“The escalating situation in Ukraine will have major humanitarian consequences. Lives have already been lost, people are forced to flee, living conditions are affected. The poor, the elderly, and the vulnerable have to bear the heaviest burdens. The conflict can affect many, and we will work together with our partners to reach out to the citizens of Ukraine who are fleeing for their lives,” says Høybråten.
The needs in Ukraine are great. The banks are being emptied of money, there is a great shortage of water, and people are fleeing from everything they own.
“In addition to the many who are now refugees in their own country, Europe must prepare for a large influx of refugees from Ukraine. However, a large proportion of people in the war zones are older and vulnerable groups who have another choice but to stay. People in need, need our help,” says Høybråten.
