Ukraine

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Since the escalation of international armed conflict in Ukraine on 24 February 2022, the devastation continues to affect every aspect of people’s lives. The humanitarian crisis has resulted in massive civilian casualties, severe harm to critical infrastructure and livelihoods, and widespread displacement leading to a wide-ranging humanitarian crisis.

Since February 2022, the Irish Red Cross working alongside partners from the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement have supported millions of people impacted by the conflict, in Ukraine, neighbouring countries as well as here in Ireland where people have sought refuge. This includes immediate cash relief assistance, health and care, psychosocial support, as well as support to housing.

Support to Ukrainians in Poland

The escalation of the international armed conflict in Ukraine has shaped Poland’s humanitarian settings and as of August 2024, more than 950,000 displaced people from Ukraine applied for temporary protection in Poland.

With support from Irish Red Cross, the Polish Red Cross (PRC) will extend its cash & voucher assistance by providing medical electronic vouchers to people from Ukraine in vulnerable situations. These vouchers, will cover 50% of prescribed and over-the-counter medications target those with chronic illnesses and older individuals, addressing critical health gaps identified in the Polish healthcare system. The programme will support 1,123 people though IRC funding.

Commencing in November 2024 Irish Red Cross will fund one of the six socio-economic integration centres, which focus on improving employability and access to the local labour market for displaced people from Ukraine temporarily residing in Poland. IRC will support 285 unemployed people through group information sessions, reskilling and upskilling programmes, digital and language skills training, CV writing, and document translation. Additionally, in July 2024 an IRC funded field visit was conducted to monitor and evaluate MHPSS services delivered by PRC by staff and volunteers, to ensure communities and vulnerable displaced persons are provided with high quality mental health services.

Health and Psychosocial support

Analysis of combat trauma data shows that over a third of all deaths, and approximately 80% of all preventable combat-related deaths are due to severe haemorrhage. Throughout 2023 and 2024, IRC in collaboration with University College Dublin Centre for Emergency Medical Science is supporting their initiative ‘Ukraine Trauma Project’ that provides training to Ukrainian emergency services in advanced trauma care. Along with this training to medical personnel on advanced techniques to control massive bleeding resulting from severe traumatic injuries, the initiative also provides essential medical equipment to deliver lifesaving treatment.

Branch, Volunteer and Community Development

Scaling up humanitarian operations and preparing for sustained programming is the focus for the following two years as IRC partners with German RC and URCS in strengthening the capacities of regional branches and the local branches embedded in communities as well as the establishment of centres.

Given national society development is a key strategic priority for URCS, as it underpins their ability to maintain their response to current and future crises, IRC will be supporting the implementation the enhancement of branch and volunteer development (BraVo).

IRC will be funding the implementation of the BraVo program in two regions, Vinnitsa and Ternopil for a two-year period. In these regions, the BraVo programme supports the development of the Regional Branch as well as 6 local branches across Vinnitsa and 8 local branches in Ternopil oblast. This aligns with efforts in strengthening local capacities and also aims to consolidate expertise and experience ensuring URCS becomes a partner of choice to its communities.

Additionally, IRC will be partnering with the German RC for the next two years in setting up Community Centres across Ukraine. These centres are envisioned to offer a comprehensive bunch of services, including psychosocial support, socio-economic empowerment activities (livelihoods) and protection initiatives. Community centres look to foster an inclusive environment and enhance community resilience by addressing psychological, social, and economic well-being, empowering individuals to identify and respond to the humanitarian needs they may encounter within their communities.

Protection, Gender and Inclusion

Protection, Gender and Inclusion (PGI) describes the approach used by the Red Cross to tacking the causes, risks and consequences of violence, discrimination and exclusion. A person’s sex, gender identity, race, nationality and many other factors can influence how they are vulnerable to, and affected by disasters and crises. A central feature of the PGI approach is to look at the intersection of primary themes such as Gender Based Violence (GBV), child protection and safeguarding, violence prevention, and disability inclusion.

Emergencies can also make existing inequalities worse. This can be seen in the increase in incidences of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), violence against children and trafficking in human beings during and after emergencies. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine and subsequent displacement has put women and girls at increased risk of gender based violence (GBV). Although many internally displaced people are staying in private accommodation,a growing number are seeking refuge in collective shelters or centres. These facilities face overcrowded conditions, lack of separation by sex, and poor basic services greatly increasing the risk of GBV.

In 2023, IRC funded two PGI technical positions, one being regional in support of the 16 Days of Activism campaign and the second to cover the retainment of the Polish RC PGI Coordinator. The PGI Coordinator supported the implementation of PGI projects across 8 branches targeting both Ukrainian and Polish communities. The primary objective was to enhance social inclusion through recreational programs, language courses, and peer support as well as conduct trainings on PGI issues. A total of 631 people, comprising women, men, boys, and girls, including 87 people with disabilities, participated in these activities. 

The 16 days initiative, reaching 265 people, comprised of various activities, including awareness-raising sessions and workshops to educate participants about GBV in its various forms, and how and where to seek help. In addition, self-defence classes were organized for women, and social media campaign materials were translated into Ukrainian and Polish language to ensure equal access. PGI work ensures dignity, access, participation, and safety for all people.

Cash Assistance

Throughout the past two years, the IRC in partnership with government ministries has supported meeting the immense needs by providing ongoing cash assistance. In 2022, IRC assisted the conflict affected population in Ukraine and in neighbouring countries through delivering pre-paid cash cards or through Moneygram allowing people to purchase what they needed.

Shelter

In Ukraine, the ongoing armed conflict has led to extensive damage to critical infrastructure, housing and essential services such as electricity, water, and heating systems. To address humanitarian needs worsened by winter in Ukraine, IRC supported the IFRC Winterisation Strategy over the past two years.

In 2022, funding was utilized to assist vulnerable groups such as those living in conflict prevalent areas, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and people living with disabilities. Activities included the distribution of winter relief items, mobile heating points and provision of generators.

Winter temperatures plummet as low as –20 degrees Celsius in parts of the country and the impact is felt by millions of Ukrainians living in damaged homes, sub-standard conditions or without sufficient personal insulation or access to heating. As a result, in 2023, IRC additionally provided further winter assistance to URCS to fund the cost of procuring and kitting out 4 mobile heating points. These points serve as multi-functional hubs, offering the affected population access to not just heating but also relief items, food, first aid, and a range of other services. This assistance remains available until the primary power supply or system is restored or until the affected population is safely evacuated during the months of freezing temperatures.

*Last updated May 2024