How to Help Ukraine

On February 24, 2022, the world watched in horror as Russia invaded the neighboring country of Ukraine. Since the attacks began, over 3 million Ukrainians have fled their homes, and tens of thousands have been killed (Ukraine Refugee Situation, 2022). Most of the refugees have fled to the surrounding countries of Poland, Romania, the Republic of Moldova, and Hungary. Moreover, the number of people remaining in Ukraine without access to electricity and gas supplies is increasing, with an estimated 960,000 families without electricity and 264,000 families without gas (Situation Ukraine Refugee Situation, 2022). Humanitarian efforts are of the utmost importance in Ukraine and surrounding countries.

    

    But how do we help Ukraine? With the UN ordering Russia to halt attacks and many countries enforcing sanctions against Russia and Putin, it may feel like any attempted effort at helping will be minuscule, but that’s not true. People in Ukraine and surrounding countries still need water, medical and hygiene supplies, and winter kits to survive low temperatures. There are many ways that people can help the victims of this senseless war.

Donations:
Many people want to help but don’t know how to get supplies to the people in Ukraine. A great way anyone can help is by donating to relief efforts and organizations.

1. UNICEF - https://www.unicef.org/

• UNICEF, also known as United Nations Children’s Fund, is an agency that is responsible for humanitarian aid to children around the world. UNICEF has been working throughout Ukraine to deliver safe water, health, and hygiene equipment, while also working with municipalities to ensure immediate aid for children and families in need. Donating to UNICEF provides education and aid to children who bear the brunt of the attacks on Ukraine.

2. Médecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) Doctors Without Borders - https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/what-we-do/where-we-work/ukraine

• MSF, also commonly known as Doctors Without Borders, is a non-governmental organization best known for projects within conflict zones. MSF is committed to providing the best care for every patient, developing, and producing Pre-packaged disaster kits that include a complete mobile surgical operating room and obstetrics kit (CITE A). Amid the war in Ukraine, Doctors Without Borders/MSF has announced mobilizing emergency operations and has teams in Ukraine, Poland, Moldova, Hungary, Slovakia, Russia, and Belarus.

3. International Rescue Committee (IRC) - https://www.rescue.org/take-action

• IRC is a global non-governmental organization that provides humanitarian aid, relief, and development. The IRC has teams throughout surrounding countries providing psychological support and legal counseling. The IRC is also working to provide refugees with winter supplies and sleeping bags, medical equipment, and other essential items.

4. UNHCR - https://www.donate.unhcr.org/int/en/general-v2

• UNHCR, The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, is a UN agency mandated to provide aid and protection for refugees forcibly displaced. UNHCR has teams responding in Ukraine, handing out helper kits, core relief item kits, and linens and towels for civilians. UNHCR is also working to deliver blankets, mattresses, canned foods, and frozen meats to displaced Ukrainians.

Other Ways to Help:
It’s not always easy to donate, especially with price surges and employment uncertainty, but there are still ways that people can help the people of Ukraine. We came up with other ways that people can help, without having to donate or sacrifice financial certainty.

1. Teach others - https://www.unhcr.org/ua/en/teaching-about-refugees

Being a refugee is challenging in many ways, and many people don’t consider that when they see strangers congregating in their country. One way people can help without donating is by teaching others about refugees. There are videos, animations, and pamphlets that people can forward to help inform others of the difference between refugees, migrants, internally displaced, and asylum seekers. Forwarding these resources can enlighten someone and help them pass the materials on so that others gain a better understanding of what refugees are going through.

2. Donate Clothes and Supplies - https://us.meest.com/services/service/delivery-to-ukraine

Donating money isn’t the only way you can help the people of Ukraine. There are nonprofit organizations collecting clothes and supplies to ship to Ukraine. Through these organizations, people can donate their old winter clothes, sleeping bags, blankets, or other supplies that they want to ship to Ukraine.

3. Join the Rally - https://novaukraine.org/war-time-events/ 

Another way to help the people of Ukraine is to join a rally to show your support. Nova Ukraine is one of the many nonprofit organizations that post the different rallies that are being held to demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine. Joining a virtual event or attending a community get-together is a great way to gather as a community and show support for the people of Ukraine.

Sources:
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). (2018, March 8). Emergency response. Doctors Without Borders - USA. https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/who-we-are/how-we-work/emergency-response
Ukraine Refugee Situation. (2022). Operational Data Portal. https://data2.unhcr.org/en/situations/ukraine

By: Selita O. Paea