Stepping up efforts in Ukraine
Snow, cold and damaged infrastructure will make the winter very difficult for the people of Ukraine. That is why we are stepping up efforts to meet the urgent needs for protection and humanitarian assistance among the most vulnerable.
On Christmas Eve, it will be ten months since the war began, and it doesn't look like it will end anytime soon. According to the UN, nearly 18 million people are in need of emergency response , and the risk that many will die during the winter is great. The elderly and other vulnerable in the liberated areas, where the destruction and needs are greatest, are particularly at risk.
– Support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and funds raised from donors make it possible for us to intensify our work in these areas in 2023. The money will benefit nearly 40,000 people, with the elderly, disabled and seriously ill being prioritized.
Tale Hungnes, international director at Caritas Norway
Food and shelter
The focus will be on covering basic needs such as food and drink, and a warm and safe place to be. We will also provide training and support to those who will implement the aid.
– Among other things, we will ensure that those who cannot cook due to electricity and gas shortages receive the necessary equipment and ready-made food.
Tale Hungnes, international manager at Caritas norge
The population is exhausted and deeply affected by the war, which does not seem to be ending anytime soon. Many are traumatized and will need psychosocial support for a long time to come.
– In future aid work, it will be important to put those who are struggling the most in contact with the aid system, to avoid what they have been through creating long-term psychological and social problems.
Tale hungnes, head of international operations at caritas norway
Met in Poland to make plans
This was one of the issues raised in a partner meeting on the overall response in Ukraine, hosted by Caritas Europe. The meeting was held in Poland. Besides Caritas -members from a number of European countries, including Ukraine, were attended by the mayor of the Lviv region and the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine.
Caritas Ukraine was presented with needs and plans for 2023. And the others Caritas -members presented how they wanted to support the response, both through funding, professional support and assistance with implementation.
In addition to meeting basic needs, there will be more focus on long-term work next year to prevent long-term health and social problems.
– The representatives from Ukraine expressed great gratitude for the commitment of the others Caritas -organizations. They also talk about the dual role of leading humanitarian efforts for vulnerable Ukrainians, while themselves and their families are in the middle of the conflict. Solidarity, goodwill and cooperation with Caritas in other countries therefore becomes extra valuable.
speech hungnes, head of international operations at caritas norway
Caritas ' relief work:
Since February 24, 2022, Caritas helped just under 3.9 million people with food, water, shelter, hygiene supplies and medicine. food security accounts for 54 percent of the aid.
Caritas responds to the humanitarian crisis through:
- 42 centers where humanitarian aid is packaged and distributed.
- 448 distribution hubs emergency response .
- 181 shelters for those in need of shelter and protection (+ food, showers, medicines, counselling, psychosocial support and children's activities).
- In the liberated areas, Caritas mobile and outreach teams distributing food, water, hygiene kits, first aid kits and solar generators to the population. The teams also reach out to those living isolated on the front lines, where access to food and other essential goods and services is very limited.