The war in Ukraine is bringing a sudden and disproportionate humanitarian crisis to the region. The number of people in humanitarian need has increased dramatically, with an estimated 15.7 million civilians in need of urgent support within the country, including around 7.5 million children according to UNICEF.

The UN is now reporting more than 14 million people have fled their homes in Ukraine because of the war, including more than 6.2 million people - mostly women, children and elderly people, who have fled Ukraine for neighbouring countries. An estimated 8 million people are thought to be displaced inside Ukraine. All are in dire need of emergency aid. Rotary clubs in Europe and around the world have stepped up their relief work, some working on the ground to help displaced families. 

More than $15 million has been secured and will remain prioritized for Ukraine humanitarian relief efforts through Disaster Response Grants until 30 June 2022.

The latest fundraising figures are:

By 27 May, 104 grants have been awarded totalling $3 million to support activities in 23 countries. Rotary’s Disaster Response Grants will provide basic items such as water, food, medicine, and clothing and for providing immediate aid to support the refugees of Ukraine.

Update on Rotary partner activities:

• ShelterBox, our project partner for disaster response, continues to support Ukrainians in Ukraine and Moldova in partnership with Rotary members in Eastern Europe. Support includes mattress delivery to collective centers, shelter kits and essential supplies to people surviving in damaged buildings, as well as hygiene kits and cash assistance to meet the basic needs of refugees who continue to move with only the items they can carry.
• Mediators Beyond Borders International, one of our service partners, is working with the National Association of Mediators of Ukraine to develop a trauma-informed peacebuilding training for frontline workers, internally displaced refugees, children, and the Ukrainian diaspora worldwide.
• Habitat for Humanity, one of our service partners, is operating in Warsaw with additional presence in Romania, Slovakia, and Hungary. Current efforts focus on resettling Ukrainians returning to the western region of the country in temporary housing such as Airbnb, private units, or spare rooms.

Rotary members and others can sign a petition created by the Rotary Action Group for Peace here: Petition · ROTARIANS SAY NO TO WAR · Change.org

Contact Alison Sutherland, Director, Rotary Action Group for Peace at ypalison@yahoo.co.uk for more information on the petition.

Visit https://www.rotary.org/en/rotary-responds-ukraine-crisis and follow Rotary on social media to stay updated on how clubs can get involved and what actions Rotary members have taken and the impact it has had for people in the region.