The world has watched on with outrage and horror as the crisis in Ukraine continues to unfold. Last month, Russian forces began invading the sovereign eastern European nation, resulting in thousands of civilian and military casualties and a devastating refugee crisis.
Women, children, people of colour, and those from the LGBTQIA+ community have unquestionably been impacted heavily. “The fighting has compelled displacement on a massive scale, forcing many civilians to flee their homes, including to neighbouring countries,” Pramila Patten, UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, warned in a statement. “Unless the conflict ceases, thousands of additional families will be forcibly displaced, dramatically escalating the scale of the already dire humanitarian situation, and increasing the risk of sexual violence and exploitation. I… call for unhindered humanitarian access to those in need, especially women and girls.”
While we are watching the crisis unfold from afar, there are many organisations to support and donate to in order to help the people of Ukraine.
UN Women
The organisation has launched an emergency appeal for women and girls in Ukraine. Its team in neighbouring Moldova is planning targeted interventions and developing a humanitarian response for Ukrainian refugees.
Save The Children
This org works to support the needs of children in war-torn areas of Ukraine with access to food, shelter, and medicine. Its teams are currently working with asylum seekers in refugee camps in northeastern Romania as the crisis unfolds.
Insight Ukraine
The Ukrainian human rights public organisation brings together people from the LGBTQIA+ community and provides psychological, legal, and medical support to queer and trans people in Ukraine. It is currently collecting donations “to cover needs in shelter, relocation to safer places, food, basic needs.”
OutRight Action International
Advocating for queer and trans human rights, OutRight Action International is collecting on behalf of local organizations that are “preparing to receive LGBTIQ people in search of shelter, safety and security.”
The Coalition to Support Black People in Ukraine
This GoFundMe fundraiser aims to help Black people who have faced racism at the borders while trying to flee. Funds will help cover relocation fees, food, warm clothes, blankets, heating pads, phone lines, and other essential supplies. The coalition is made up of more than 10 organisations including The Mandela Legacy Foundation, The African Canadian Association, and Equal Chance, which supports women and Black communities.
British Red Cross
The Red Cross is working with its partner teams on the ground providing food, shelter, and hygiene items to local families, as well as first aid, medicines, and health equipment.
United Help Ukraine
They’re accepting donations to help provide medical supplies and humanitarian aid.
UNICEF
Mobile aid workers on the ground are delivering water and emergency supplies for children and their families.
Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders
Supporting through surgical care, mental health support, and emergency medicine for displaced people, they have teams helping out in Ukraine, Poland, Moldova, Hungary, Slovakia, Russia, and Belarus.
Voices of Children
This organisation has been assisting in the evacuation process, and offers emergency psychological support, helping kids fleeing Ukraine better understand and process their circumstances.
Sunflower of Peace
Their team prepares and distributes first aid medical backpacks for paramedics and doctors on the front lines, equipping them with life-saving supplies such as anti-hemorrhagic medicine and bandages. Word of advice: They’ve recommended folks only donate through the website to avoid scammers.
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