FIVE WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT UKRAINE

We’ve read about wars in our history books and have seen far too many of them through our TV screens and phones. Unfortunately, wars are not yet a thing of the past. Today, many countries and millions of innocent civilians are still facing wars and their impacts. On Thursday 24^th February, Russia invaded Ukraine, and in response, people have come together to show their support for and solidarity with the people of Ukraine as they face drastic changes in their country and in their everyday lives.

Wars are costly, they don’t just cost money but also lives and livelihoods. They tear families apart, hinder economic development and impact the education of countless children. Since the invasion began last week, the UN announced that one million Ukrainians have been displaced and have fled the country. This is a conservative estimate that is only likely to rise even further.

Those who have contributed the least to wars – if at all – are the ones who suffer the most from them. Despite the existence of many treaties, agreements and conventions, it is rare for all countries to come together to agree on something. But that’s exactly what happened in 2015, when every country agreed to the Global Goals – with Goal 16 focusing on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. War not only goes against this commitment, but also threatens progress towards health, education, gender equality and economic growth.

It’s easy to fall into despair and feel powerless, but there are many actions we can take as individuals to help Ukrainians in the country, those on the move and internally displaced, and those who have fled the country.

STAY INFORMED

We’re seeing journalists, civilians and activists share their experiences with the world, often risking their lives and personal safety to give us glimpses of life in parts of Ukraine; from showing what it’s like to stay in underground train stations to seek shelter, through to interviewing students from African countries who are unfairly being rejected from trains and borders due to the colour of their skin.

The first step anyone can take to help – in any situation – is to learn about the issue and continue to stay informed. In a digital age that gives us infinite access to information, we can also be vulnerable to disinformation, so make sure the sources you’re looking into are verified and trusted. Here are just a few news outlets and journalists you can follow who are currently on the ground sharing vital information.

• Stand With Ukraineshares about the situation in Ukraine along with ways you can support people across the country.
• Kyiv Independent provides real-time information about the situations across all corners of Ukraine. On top of keeping up to date with the situation in Ukraine, you can also support journalists working with Kyiv Independent by donating to their GoFundMe page.
• Ukraine World is an English-language multimedia project which works with over 300 international journalists and produces articles, podcasts, video explainers, analyses, and books about Ukraine.
• Inna Sovsunis a member of the Ukrainian Parliament who is currently in Kyiv working to share information about the situation on the ground to people around the world
• Val Voshchevska is a Ukrainian activist, journalist based in London and the former social media editor for Newsweek. She writes about international security, women in conflict and mental health.
• Oz Katerji is a freelance writer, conflict journalist and filmmaker. Interested in human rights. Currently reporting from Ukraine
• Matthew Cassel  is a correspondent for Vice News who has been sharing his take on the ever-changing situation in Kyiv, particularly for civilians.
• Anastasiia Lapatina is a Ukrainian journalist from Kyiv Independent who is sharing information about daily life in Kyiv.
• Lyse Doucetis the BBC’s Chief International Correspondent who has covered many conflicts throughout her career. She is currently based in Kyiv providing updates on the situation in Ukraine.

WRITE TO YOUR REPRESENTATIVES

While we as individuals can take action, very often policy changes have direct and immediate impacts on the lives of those most at risk. With an increasing number of Ukrainians fleeing their homes in search of safety, it’s important to call on decision-makers asking them to welcome refugees and asylum seekers. So far, we’ve seen countries beginning to take positive steps including Ireland which has waived visa requirements for Ukrainians and Germany offering to help Poland with Ukrainian refugees. But more can be done.

One way you can have an impact is by writing to your local and national representatives, calling for them to take necessary actions in welcoming refugees and asylum seekers fleeing Ukraine.

DONATE

In times of crisis, provision of basic necessities and life-saving humanitarian aid is vital. A simple step you can take to help organisations on the ground (in and outside Ukraine) is by donating. Below are just a few organisations who are working tirelessly to make sure no one is left behind.

• Nova Ukraine works closely with Ukraine-based organisations and is currently delivering supply packages including diapers, baby food, hospital supplies, and dry foods for a children’s orphanage in Donetsk.
• CARE International is responding to the crisis by working through partners on the ground to provide food, hygiene kits, psychosocial support services, access to water, and access to cash.
• Choose Love’s Ukraine appeal is supporting projects that provide vital aid and services to those still in and fleeing the country, including emergency medical care, food, shelter, clothes, legal support, support for the LGBTQIA+ community and mental health support.
• Ukrainian Red Cross has been working on the ground for more than 100 years, providing life-saving aid and services during times of conflict and disasters. They organise educational services on a regular basis throughout the country as well as providing sanitary materials and coordinating blood donations.
• Voices of Children provides no-cost psychological support to Ukrainian children who are impacted by armed conflicts like this one. Wars can cause long term psychological trauma for children; that’s why it’s important to support and protect them.
• UNICEF Ukraine is repairing schools damaged by the bombings and providing an emergency response to children affected by the conflict. More than 510,000 children have been affected through this conflict, protecting them means protecting their families, communities and their future.
• UN Women is committed to supporting Ukraine’s people, especially its women and girls, at this time of greatest need. They are working closely with partners on the ground to support Ukrainian women and girls who have been internally displaced or have fled the country.

DONATE ESSENTIAL ITEMS

Donating doesn’t necessarily have to be monetary. In times of conflict, we often see an increase in solidarity. People around the world coming together, mobilising their communities to support those in need. Very often refugees flee under stressful circumstances, with little time left for planning, leaving their possessions behind. This means that they lack many basic necessities during their journeys and upon arriving in a safer location (e.g. refugee camps in neighbouring countries).

With this in mind, an action you can take is  to donate items. This can include anything from tents to warm clothes to help families get through the harshness of winter in camps through to menstrual hygiene products. Search for individuals and organisations in your community and city who are gathering these items to donate.

When donating items, remember to sensitively consider the dignity of those who have left their homes in search of safety and donate items that are in very good or new condition.

SHARE

In previous centuries, wars were fought on a battlefield with many not knowing the full extent of how it panned out. But today, as we live in a digital age, we have access to an abundant amount of information to help us learn about what is happening in conflict zones when it’s happening. You can use your platform to share information about what is happening in Ukraine and how people can support Ukrainians during this difficult time.

About the author

This blog was written by Kiana Alavi, Policy and Campaigns Manager at Project Everyone.