The war in Ukraine is continuing on day after day, leaving millions forcibly displaced and with little to no options. Today I wanted to share some basic information about the crisis from USA for UNHCR, because I believe, at the very least, we should all be as informed as we can in order to properly help those who need it.
When did the Ukraine crisis begin?
While there has been conflict in Ukraine for almost eight years (with UNHCR identifying 2.9 million people who already needed humanitarian assistance before this year), the most recent act of violence began on February 24, 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine, and from there, the crisis escalated at an alarmingly rapid rate.
Who is impacted by the ongoing crisis in Ukraine?
Over 12 million people have been affected by this war, with a projected 18 million people expected to be affected. There are 41.4 million people in the country, so almost half the population will feel the effects of this war. USA for UNHCR points out that, “Elderly and disabled people are particularly at risk as they may be unable to flee or may choose to stay in the impacted areas. Women and girls are at greatest risk for gender-based violence and sexual exploitation and abuse.”
Who is fleeing Ukraine and where are they going?
More than 10 million people have been forced to flee from their homes in the last several weeks — 4.7M refugees and 7.1 internally displaced people (IDPs). Millions have found refuge in Poland, followed by Romania and Moldova, with the rest finding safety in other European countries.
USA for UNHCR shares that, “The majority of the people fleeing Ukraine are women and children who account for 90 percent of refugees. Women face significant challenges and are at the greatest risk for sexual exploitation and abuse, human trafficking and forced prostitution. Given the high protection risks, UNHCR staff are in neighboring countries carrying out regular protection monitoring at border crossing points and transit centers to assess protection risks.”
What is UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, doing to help?
In short, an enormous amount:
“UNHCR and its partners are on the ground providing crucial humanitarian assistance and protection and deploying more staff and relief items in the region. In Ukraine, UNHCR is distributing emergency supply kits with items like thermal blankets and water cans and strengthening nationwide hotlines. UNHCR is helping to set up transit centers in neighboring countries to assess the needs of newly displaced people and provide temporary shelter.
UNHCR is working with national authorities and child welfare and protection specialists to support vulnerable groups fleeing from Ukraine. As women and children constitute the majority of people fleeing Ukraine, UNHCR has initiated a ‘Stay Safe campaign’ across neighboring countries to raise awareness among refugees fleeing Ukraine about the increased risks of trafficking and exploitation. UNHCR and UNICEF are also jointly rolling out Blue Dots, safe spaces for children, families and others with specific needs, across the region.”
What can you do to help?
The people of Ukraine, along with all forcibly displaced persons around the world, need our help. No matter the amount, no matter if it’s even just talking about the crisis and spreading awareness, every little bit counts.
If you are able to, please consider making a compassionate donation today.
(All information provided by USA for UNHCR)