Tomorrow (February 24) marks one year since Russia invaded Ukraine, triggering the biggest refugee crisis in Europe since the Second World War.
“The devastation and destruction inside Ukraine since February last year have been staggering; a third of the population has been uprooted from their homes,” CEO of Australia for UNHCR, Trudi Mitchell said.
“Sadly the conflict shows no signs of abating and it appears to be far from over,” Ms Mitchell said.
“More than 17 million people are in need of urgent humanitarian support in Ukraine and the needs are expected to grow as the war’s impact deepens over time.”
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has significantly scaled up its response to the conflict since February last year.
As part of an inter-agency response, UNHCR and partners have provided help to millions of people internally displaced in Ukraine and living in neighbouring countries as refugees.
In Ukraine, UNHCR has been providing life-saving support to those who’ve lost everything, including cash assistance so people can meet their basic needs and help with repairing damaged homes to protect families from the bitter cold.
But more help is needed, particularly as freezing temperatures and a lack of energy compound the challenges facing communities in Ukraine.
“We have been so encouraged by Australia’s incredible support for Ukraine, from communities all over the country including in regional areas,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Continued donations from Australians will help ensure UNHCR can support the people of Ukraine now and into the future,” Ms Mitchell said.
Australia for UNHCR media contact:
Alex Fisher: [email protected] 0419 183 568