Generous contributions from the Faroe Islands have helped UNHCR ensure assistance and protection to people fleeing the war in Ukraine.
“When the war came to Lyman, it was absolutely terrible. I was lying in the corridor, and there were loud sounds of explosions everywhere,” says Zhanna, 84, from Ukraine, pictured here with her granddaughter.
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, commends the Faroe Islands for the country’s commitment to help and protect people fleeing the war in Ukraine, demonstrated by their first contribution last year to UNHCR’s response. This has been followed up with an increased contribution this year, making the Faroe Islands a top donor per capita.
“Thanks to these funds, we are able to assist many of the people displaced inside Ukraine as well as refugees who have fled the country and sought safety elsewhere. As a small country, the Faroe Islands’ engagement in refugee protection must serve as an inspiration to others,” says Henrik M. Nordentoft, UNHCR’s Representative to the Nordic and Baltic Countries.
Last year, the Faroe Islands made its first financial contribution to UNHCR, providing DKK 1 million to our Ukraine response. In 2023, this figure was significantly increased with a contribution of DKK 7 million to UNHCR’s response to what has been the biggest and fastest growing refugee crisis in Europe since World War II.
Over a year into the war, the devastation and destruction, uprooting one third of the population, shows no signs of abating – and the humanitarian needs remain high. More than 8.1 million refugees from Ukraine have been recorded across Europe, and more than 5.3 million people continue to be internally displaced in Ukraine.
Following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, UNHCR massively scaled up the response in the country – as well as in neighbouring countries – and the work continues in 2023. UNHCR and our partners have provided support to more than 4.3 million people in Ukraine, including with cash-based assistance, shelter support, legal assistance, psychosocial support and emergency items.
Unfortunately, 2022 proved to be a tragic year in terms of forced displacement globally, leading to the grim and tragic milestone of more than 100 million people forced to flee their homes across the world. Children, women and men continue to be uprooted by conflict, violence and persecution in many crises, that are often overlooked or even forgotten. In Syria, Myanmar, Venezuela, South Sudan, Yemen, Afghanistan, DR Congo to name just a few. They also need the world’s attention.
The conditions for these people have deteriorated significantly due to the economic consequences of the war in Ukraine. Adding the widespread and worsening food insecurity as well as the harsh reality of climate change, resulting in draught, desertification and floodings in many regions, the impact in humanitarian emergencies is hard felt.
Against this backdrop of increased needs, UNHCR had estimated a budget of 10.7 billion dollars last year, of which only 56 % was covered. Almost three-quarters came from governments, including the European Union – and a strong increase was seen in contributions from private donors, including companies, foundations and individuals.
“Unfortunately, armed conflicts and human rights violations are still forcing people to flee. With more than one percent of the world’s population forced from their homes, the humanitarian and protection needs are vast. We rely on the support of donors to be able to respond and ultimately save lives and futures. The Faroe Islands deserve recognition for their financial contribution to our work,” says Henrik M. Nordentoft.
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