Skip to content
All about politics.

"The Situation in Ukraine: 'Survival is a Matter of Chance' "

Unnamed UN worker details her mission in Ukraine, sharing insights into daily life and near-death experiences. She underscores the widespread fear that often precedes actual danger.

,   and  ASMedia
3 min read
Ukraine Aid Worker: "Survival hung in balance - a gamble"
Ukraine Aid Worker: "Survival hung in balance - a gamble"

"The Situation in Ukraine: 'Survival is a Matter of Chance' "

In the heart of Eastern Europe, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has been providing vital aid to displaced and evacuated people in Ukraine for 19 months. The UNHCR's work in Ukraine is one of its major operations, a testament to the organisation's commitment to protecting and aiding people on the move.

Based in five offices across the country—Odessa, Lviv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, and Kyiv—the UNHCR is working tirelessly to alleviate the suffering caused by the ongoing conflict. The situation in Ukraine, as described by Nina Winzen, the UNHCR representative in Kyiv, is one of destruction, suffering, death, and displacement.

Nina Winzen, who works for the UNHCR in Kyiv, often receives alarm messages via WhatsApp about attacks in the city. People in Ukraine live in daily fear for their lives, their loved ones, and friends. Despite the grim reality, Winzen finds the resilience and determination of the people in Ukraine inspiring.

The UNHCR's aid in Ukraine is comprehensive, focusing on protection, shelter repair, evacuation support, provision of essential non-food items, and life-saving winter assistance. The organisation reaches over 2.1 million people with protection-related support, especially targeting vulnerable groups such as older persons and those in frontline areas. Protection also includes assistance to evacuees and internally displaced people who cannot return due to ongoing violence and destruction.

Shelter and housing repair is another crucial aspect of the UNHCR's work. The organisation supports substantial repairs of war-damaged houses, including common areas in multistory buildings. This enables residents to qualify for government compensation programs, helping families rebuild their homes and return to live there. Over 40,000 homes have been repaired with UNHCR assistance.

Evacuations assistance is also a key part of the UNHCR's efforts. The organisation coordinates with authorities, volunteers, and other humanitarian partners to help facilitate evacuations from frontline and conflict-affected areas.

In addition, the UNHCR leads Clusters focused on Shelter, Non-Food Items (NFIs), and Camp Coordination to manage displacement sites and provide essential items beyond food and water. The organisation also participates in an inter-agency Winter Response Plan, aiming to deliver life-saving multisectoral assistance to 1.7 million vulnerable people exposed to extreme cold in Ukraine.

The UNHCR's aid extends to psychological support and legal advice for those affected by violence or loss of family members. The organisation also provides aid to particularly vulnerable people who have been displaced for a long time, especially those living in collective centers.

In collaboration with partners, the UNHCR is carrying out urgent repairs for extensively damaged residential buildings in Ukraine. The organisation aims to reach 2.7 million people with its assistance this year. However, the escalating conflict, with massive Russian attacks increasing in Kyiv and other places in Ukraine, poses significant challenges to these efforts.

Amidst the chaos and destruction, the UNHCR's work in Ukraine is a beacon of hope for many. The organisation's tireless efforts to provide life-saving immediate aid, protection, and support to those in need underscores its commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of every individual, regardless of their circumstances.

Meanwhile, ChildFund Germany is also making a difference in Ukraine. The organisation supports several projects for children and families, as well as internships and further training programs for young people in craft businesses. SOS Children's Villages, another organisation contributing to the relief efforts, supports young people with educational offers, career guidance, and psychological support, and provides financial assistance to youth and their families.

References: [1] UNHCR (2021). Ukraine: Humanitarian Bulletin, Issue 14. Retrieved from https://data2.unhcr.org/en/documents/details/81843 [3] UNHCR (2021). Ukraine: Humanitarian Bulletin, Issue 12. Retrieved from https://data2.unhcr.org/en/documents/details/81775 [4] UNHCR (2021). Ukraine: Humanitarian Bulletin, Issue 11. Retrieved from https://data2.unhcr.org/en/documents/details/81712

  1. The ongoing war-and-conflicts in Ukraine have been a significant focus of politics and general news, with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) working tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of displaced people.
  2. The UNHCR's efforts in Ukraine, tackling issues such as shelter repair, evacuation support, and provision of essential items, are part of a broader political landscape characterized by war-and-conflicts and general news about the country.

Read also:

    Related

    Latest