Wars and international conflicts leave a trail of mass destruction, fractured economies, grieving families, and bloodshed. As the conflict rages on, many charities are doing what they can to support those in need.
The Situation
According to the estimates of UNHCR- The UN Refugee Agency, there are 84 million displaced people worldwide. By the middle of 2021, the number passed the count of 84 million. Out of this, 26.6 million are refugees.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has similarly caused thousands of families to be displaced from their hometowns and an estimated 2 million refugees.
The widespread military invasion has prompted many women and children to flee their homes in search of a protected place.
Amidst the crisis, Europe (Germany, Belgium, United Kingdom, Denmark, Italy, and Finland) and other countries (like Canada and the US) stand in solidarity with Ukraine, and have provided aid in terms of weapons, donations, and shelter to refugees.
Charities Working To Support
Thankfully, there are a number of charities that are well-positioned to support those in need when conflict arises.
British-Ukrainian Aid
Assisting those who have been impacted including; the injured, orphaned, and disadvantaged.
An organization aiming at positive impact in Ukraine and other areas hit by war
Offering care and emotional support to vulnerable groups
Running Sponsor a Ukrainian Child programme that promotes the future of children traumatized by war
Funding construction work to house refugees
Spreading awareness about Ukrainian history, conflicts, and problems
Providing medical care to victims of war
Providing humanitarian support
Creating programs on social adaptation
Managing medical aid, critical supplies, transportation services through the donations
Discussing Ukrainian history and culture through presentations and discussions to promote awareness
You can donate directly to the charity here.
The British Red Cross
Helping anyone, anywhere in the UK and around the world, get the support they need if crisis strikes
Mobilising the power of humanity so that individuals and communities can prepare for, deal with and recover from a crisis
British Red Cross is based on seven principles; humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.
Working in conflict zones like Syria, South Sudan, and Yemen to support refugees and other victims
Have volunteers in 191 countries who are helping those in crisis
Following international humanitarian law to help people recover from traumas of war/conflict
Providing food, shelter, and emotional support to people
Collecting donations to build houses, toilets and other infrastructure for victims of natural calamities
British Red Cross - Ukraine Aid
Collaborating with Ukrainian Red Cross Society to cater to the needs of people suffering due to conflicts
Providing food, shelter and warm clothes to people
Educating families about international humanitarian law
Helping in the repair of water lines
Aiding medical institutions with medical supplies
Helping at blood donation points
Reporting and taking people to the hospital
British Red Cross is making fervent efforts to assuage the trauma and loss of Ukrainian people by collecting donations and creating structured plans for aid.
You can donate directly to the charity here.
UNICEF
Mobilize political will and material resources to ensure the survival, protection and development of children across the world
Ensuring special protection for the most disadvantaged children worldwide
UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund strive to provide support and aid to children suffering from homelessness, poverty, and conflicts of war.
They aim to provide education, food, vaccines, and protection to children. To protect children’s rights, UNICEF works closely with the most disadvantaged set of children, reaching whom can be extremely difficult.
UNICEF is now working to aid children’s life in Ukraine, as the entire child population in the country are at high risk, says their data. Lack of hospitals, educational institutions, homes and spaces for shelter, the lives of 7.4 million children are in danger. Without proper food, water and sleep, thousands of people are at the point of utter exhaustion or even death.
UNICEF in Ukraine
Providing clean water and food to save lives
Sending life-saving supplies to medical institutions
Determining the refugee situation in collaboration with neighbouring countries
Delivering Blue Dot safe spaces to provide care, emotional support, mental healthcare, psychological support, counselling, sanitation and clean essentials to women and children
Working to ensure that child protection services continue
UNICEF is also collecting monetary donations for supporting child refugees from Ukraine.
You can donate directly to the charity here.
After the first 12 months, these donations will go to UNICEF’s Children’s Emergency Fund to aid children caught in desperate situations of war and brutal conflict throughout the world. UNICEF works with children from 190 countries and indulges in huge charity fundraising to solve the purpose.
Border Discrimination - Go Fund Me
The Russian-Ukrainian conflict has also flagged issues of racism and discrimination against Africans and Asians trying to flee Ukraine during the war. It was reported in The Independent that the foreigners who succeeded in fleeing the war scene helped others to evacuate the country. It stated, “jarred by discriminatory treatment and left to evacuate themselves from Ukraine, people from African, Asian and Latin American countries who succeed in getting out are forming impromptu networks are helping thousands of others hoping to flee”.
Students trying to escape the country reported xenophobia and violent treatments at the border with Poland. Threats and abusive treatment are what met them at the point of national crisis. Many African and Asian students spent days in freezing temperatures without food, water, and essentials due to the discriminatory attitudes of the officials at the border.
While we could not find any charities to support that are directly aiding, there are a number of Go Fund Me Pages available where you can donate directly:
Charities and NGOs are working day and night to attend to the basic needs of people through donations, food, water and other essentials. Pledger stands in solidarity with the people stranded in Ukraine and urges the community to donate as much as possible.
If you are a growing retailer, form long-term partnerships with these noble causes via Pledger. To learn more about our integrating services, visit www.pledger.co or have a look at the Pledger Giving App.
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