With Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, many people are seeking ways to help. There are many humanitarian aid efforts currently in effect for the Ukrainian people. And the need will only increase for the foreseeable future.
According to UNHCR, a UN Refugee Agency, more than 4,600,000 Ukrainians are fleeing to neighboring countries, not including the internally displaced.
Humanitarian Aid Efforts in Ukraine
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the UNHCR are working together to help those directly affected by the invasion. Meeting the various crisis needs of the Ukrainian people will require significant financial support.
The UN Secretary-General already announced that the UN would release 20 million dollars as part of its Central Emergency Response Fund. They are also calling for countries to contribute to the effort and supply additional funding.
Aid efforts on the ground in Ukraine were already occurring prior to the February 24th invasion, as the war in the eastern part of the country has entered its 8th year. In addition to the ongoing amassing of relief funds, the logistics of delivering assistance and needed support continues to be complex and dangerous.
How You Can Help
There are many ways for individuals to help. At the moment, the best way is to support organizations already acting on behalf of Ukrainians. Thankfully, there are many organizations offering help.
These include:
- UNICEF: UNICEF is working to provide healthcare, safe drinking water, nutrition, sanitation, education, and services to children separated from their families.
- Voices of Children: Voices of Children provides psychological and psychosocial support to children in Ukraine.
- Sunflower of Peace: Sunflower of Peace is raising money to prepare and provide first aid tactical backpacks for paramedics and doctors.
- CARE: CARE is raising money for the Ukraine Crisis Fund, providing food, water, hygiene kits, and support to Ukrainian citizens.
- International Medical Corps: The International Medical Corps has been delivering health care to Ukraine for years and is now accepting donations so they can expand these services.