The full-scale invasion of Ukraine is continuing to cause massive displacement, civilian casualties, and damage to infrastructure. Norway’s contribution via The Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation, to UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, remains a lifeline for families in Ukraine.
The full-scale war in Ukraine, which began in February 2022, has resulted in loss of life, widespread displacement, destruction to civilian infrastructure, economic insecurity, and increasing challenges for those affected. The massive escalation of war has left millions without housing or access to essential services, including water, electrical power, healthcare, and education. As a result of the full-scale war, millions of people have been forced to flee their homes, and almost 3.7 million people are internally displaced within Ukraine, while more than 6.7 million have sought refuge in neighboring countries and beyond, as of mid-October 2024. In response, UNHCR continues to provide essential support to displaced and war-affected Ukrainians, as well as psychological care to help impacted populations deal with the trauma caused by the war. On 8 July 2024, Ukraine’s largest children’s hospital was hit during a missile attack, devastating the families relying on its services. Homes, power stations, factories, schools and kindergartens in major urban areas like Kyiv, Dnipro and Kryvyi Rih were also struck in the deadly coordinated attack. In response to this and similar attacks, UNHCR is providing emergency shelter kits for families living in damaged apartment buildings, like those near the children’s hospital, as well as psychosocial support, cash assistance and legal aid.
Thus far in 2024, The Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation through its Nansen Programme, has contributed with more than USD 67 million to UNHCR’s response to the situation inside Ukraine, and in Moldova. These funds have supported vital programs, ensuring that UNHCR can reach vulnerable people, and provide them with the protection and care they need during these difficult times.
UNHCR staff are on the ground across Ukraine, working to provide aid whenever and wherever it’s possible and safe. UNHCR and partners have extended their support to frontline areas where the need is greatest. In 2024, over 1.1 million multi-sectoral services such as cash assistance, shelter and housing, as well as psychosocial support and legal aid were provided to people affected by the war.
After the attacks in Kyiv and Dnipro in July 2024, UNHCR and local NGO partners have been working tirelessly to deliver emergency aid to affected families. As of early July, UNHCR, with its partner Rokada, was able to distribute 260 emergency shelter kits in Kyiv, comprising of tarpaulins, timber, and other essential materials. These kits have greatly helped families repair damages made to their homes, ensuring shelter and protection.
Many people like Oleksandr, Valeria and their three children from the Donetsk region had to leave their home with only forty minutes to gather their belongings, as shelling and intensified hostilities resulted in an evacuation order from the authorities. They did not pack their documents. UNHCR and its partners can provide families like theirs with legal advice about renewing their documents, psychosocial support, blankets, mattresses, pillows and warm clothes.
Upon arriving at the collective site, this family had only the clothes they were wearing. They were provided with essential items, including mattresses, blankets, bed linen, dishes, pillows, and towels. In addition to material support, they were offered psychological assistance and counseling. Recognizing the profound impact of war on the mental well-being, UNHCR has ensured access to psychosocial support for those affected by the war, including trauma care and mental health services.
Norway as a donor:
Norway is a consistent and generous supporter to UNHCR’s response in Ukraine and Moldova, and a strong reliable donor to UNHCR. In 2024, Norway has pledged over USD 120 million to the work of UNHCR globally, half of which is unearmarked allowing UNHCR to react quickly in emergencies and support in protracted crisis.
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