Our work in Ukraine

The war has impacted on all aspects of the lives of the Ukrainian population. Health, education, food and sanitization services are all impeded by barriers related to military hostilities. These include the imposition of curfews and martial law; the reduced availability and accessibility of goods and services; damage to roads, transportation and transit systems; fuel shortages; restricted movement through military checkpoints; safety concerns in facilities; lack of specialized hospital beds and medical equipment; etc.

The Protection Cluster, a group of 126 UN and other humanitarian organizations focused on protecting vulnerable populations, assessed that exposure to shelling and contamination by landmines; restrictions on the freedom of movement; and family separation are the main risks to the safety of Ukrainians. The cluster also concurs with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees that women and children; persons with disabilities and/or serious medical conditions; the elderly; and minority groups are increasing.

Since February 24, 2022, Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada has been responding to an emergency appeal issued by its Ukrainian partners through the Caritas Internationalis network. This is allowing the partners to support vulnerable individuals and families displaced by the armed conflict in meeting their essential needs, especially in the initial phases of their displacement, so that they may preserve their dignity. We are also supporting select partners in Central and Eastern Europe in their efforts to receive and settle Ukrainian refugees.

Our partners within and outside Ukraine are ensuring that:

• Vulnerable displaced populations have access to the information, hygiene supplies, food and water that they need during transit
  
  
• Displaced people are safely transported to friends, family, collective centres and support services
  
  
• Displaced people who have no alternative accommodation have safe spaces in which to sleep, eat and wash
  
  
• Children and families can cope with the stress of displacement

Sectors in which our partners are active include food security and nutrition; water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH); shelter/settlement; and non-food items (e.g., blankets, hygiene kits, etc.).