UN seeks $4.2 bln to help conflict-hit Ukrainians

The United Nations and its partners are appealing to donors for a total of $4.2 billion in funding this year, to be directed toward assisting conflict-affected communities in Ukraine, as well as Ukrainian refugees and their host communities in the region.

After the rapid escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict nearly two years ago, 14.6 million people in Ukraine are now in need of humanitarian assistance, which accounts for 40 percent of the population.

Approximately 6.3 million individuals have fled the country and continue to live as refugees, primarily across Europe, while a harsh winter has intensified the critical demand for humanitarian assistance, said a UN news release.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, or OCHA, leads the response within Ukraine, with the Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan seeking $3.1 billion to support 8.5 million people this year, while the UN Refugee Agency coordinates the Regional Refugee Response Plan and is requesting $1.1 billion to assist 2.3 million refugees and host communities.

"Hundreds of thousands of children live in communities on the front lines of the war, terrified, traumatized, and deprived of their basic needs. That fact alone should compel us to do everything we can to bring more humanitarian assistance to Ukraine," said Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths, who is also the head of OCHA. "Homes, schools and hospitals are repeatedly hit, as are water, gas and power systems. The very fabric of society is under attack with devastating consequences. Our response plan, implemented with national NGOs and volunteers, includes the full range of assistance."

In addition to the support needed for Ukrainian refugees in neighboring countries, there is a pressing need for increased and sustained assistance.

The UN reported that only half of school-age refugee children are currently registered in schools in host countries, while a quarter of refugees face challenges in accessing essential healthcare.

Additionally, only 40 to 60 percent of refugees are employed, often in jobs below their qualification-level, resulting in increased vulnerability and a lack of support.

"Although their plight is no longer in the headlines, millions of refugees from Ukraine still need urgent support," said the UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi. "Host countries continue to extend protection and include them in society, but many vulnerable refugees still need help. They shouldn't feel pressed to return because they cannot make ends meet in exile. All refugees must be helped and given opportunities to use and build their talents to prepare them for eventual voluntary return when the situation allows."

Last year, aid workers supported nearly 11 million people in Ukraine through international donor assistance, focusing on front-line communities and utilizing inter-agency convoys, while more than 2.5 million refugees were provided with support and protection.