Emergency aid for people in Ukraine

Well over one year into the war, the situation for the people in Ukraine is still dramatic. Regular attacks on civilian targets continue to inflict casualties and destroy important infrastructure, cutting off essential services and energy supplies – with severe long-term impacts for millions. According to the WHO, nearly a quarter of the Ukrainian population is at risk of developing a mental health condition. Constant efforts are needed to reach those in need of humanitarian assistance and to mitigate the impact of the war on the lives of million Ukrainians.

The entire Caritas network supports the people in Ukraine

As soon as the full-scale invasion started, the entire Caritas network was immediately on hand to support the people of Ukraine. Thanks to the tireless work of about 6,000 Caritas staff and almost 35,000 volunteers, the network was able to reach out to an estimated number of more than three million beneficiaries in Ukraine alone. Close to 130 Caritas centers across Ukraine and the neighboring counties were often the first and only spaces where conflict-affected people could find safety, receive basic services, and be referred to specialized support, usually through a customized case management system.

As the conflict unfolded, Caritas teams expanded the volume and the variety of their activities, launching multi-purpose cash interventions, offering social services, and developing case management systems to protect beneficiaries and respond to their specific needs. While Caritas distribution points in Ukraine and at the borders remained fundamental to deliver emergency assistance throughout the conflict, the establishment of Caritas integrated centers responded to the increasing complexity of needs as the conflict continued and longer-term solutions became necessary.

This war has inflicted great suffering on the people of Ukraine, leaving visible as well as invisible scars. Thanks to the unrelenting work of Caritas staff, volunteers and local heroes who reached out their hands to those in need, the Caritas network was able to have an impact on the lives of around 5.3M people affected by the Conflict (inside and outside Ukraine). Different Caritas organizations offered support in the form of food, clothing, shelter or social services, among others. They represented a place of safety for people fleeing the horrors of war, many of whom are women, children, and elderly.

Another catastrophe hits the people of Ukraine

After the destruction of the Kakhovka dam, tens of thousands of people are at risk of flooding. The UN estimates that the disaster will have humanitarian consequences for hundreds of thousands of people. 16,000 people who are acutely affected must be evacuated. Caritas is helping with their supplies, welcoming people and providing them with basic necessities.

"We are in constant exchange with our partners* on the ground and are evaluating the situation. It is still difficult to assess the full extent of the disaster, but there is an acute need for humanitarian aid. The affected people must be provided with food and drink, need shelter and also psychological support. Shelter kits and sleeping bags are being distributed, as well as urgently needed hygiene items. The terrible war in Ukraine has been going on for over a year, with one major disaster following the next. The suffering for the people is enormous. Let's not abandon the people in Ukraine now and help together," appeals Andreas Knapp, Caritas Secretary General for International Programs.

Links:

• Caritas Austria response for Ukraine (GER)