As conflict enters fifth year, humanitarian needs in Ukraine intensify amid deepening energy crisis and funding shortfall

Kyiv/Budapest/Geneva, 23 February – As Ukraine enters the fifth year of the escalation of the international armed conflict, millions are enduring a bitterly cold winter marked by damaged energy infrastructure, rolling blackouts and growing economic and psychological hardship. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is calling for an increase in international support to meet growing humanitarian needs.In exceptionally cold temperatures, the destruction of energy systems has left countless families without reliable heating and electricity. The energy crisis is leaving people unable to cook, heat their homes, use elevators, access healthcare or even call for help during the blackouts. For older people, people with disabilities and those with chronic illness, these disruptions are life-threatening.“Life for many people in Ukraine is the hardest it has ever been,” said Birgitte Bischoff Ebbesen, IFRC Regional Director for Europe. “The energy crisis is a humanitarian crisis, affecting every part of people’s lives, in particular their health and mental health.”Cold homes are putting people at high risk of hypothermia, frostbites, and respiratory illnesses. Long hours spent in the dark, combined with uncertainty and isolation, continue to take a heavy toll on people’s psychological wellbeing. Access to mental health and psychosocial support remains limited, particularly in frontline and rural areas.The Ukrainian Red Cross, supported by the IFRC and its network of partners, continues to respond across the country - from providing emergency assistance at sites of attacks to supporting heating and electricity access, health and social services, mental health and psychosocial support, winter needs, home repairs and livelihoods recovery.However, funding is failing to meet the sheer scale of people’s needs. The IFRC’s Emergency Appeal for Ukraine and impacted countries for 2026-27 has a funding gap of more than 260 million Swiss francs – limiting support at a crucial time of skyrocketing humanitarian needs.“We are seeing that the decline in international funding is already having consequences for people affected by the conflict – delayed repairs of homes and infrastructure, lack of access to basic services, social benefits and medical care. We need urgent investment to avoid an even more severe humanitarian crisis,” added Brigitte Ebbesen.Notes for editorsIFRC network impact in the last four years:60 Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies globally have been responding to the needs of people from Ukraine in 45 countries.Over 133,000 volunteers from 7,100 branches have directly supported people from Ukraine.More than 257 million CHF has been distributed as cash and voucher assistance to 1.87 million people.2.4 billion CHF has been mobilized across the IFRC network through the support and solidarity of the public, governments and corporate partners.The IFRC has revised its Ukraine and Impacted Countries Emergency Appeal to adapt to the changing context four years after the escalation of the international armed conflict. It has a funding requirement of 300 million Swiss francs for 2026-27 to sustain essential services, support recovery and infrastructure restoration, and assist displaced and affected people across the region under all foreseeable scenarios.For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected] In Kyiv: Mariia Ieromenko, +38 075 318 84 12 Scott Craig, +41 76 370 3575In Budapest: Nora Peter, +36 70 265 4020In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 4367

Life beyond blackouts

The volunteer heart: Why are so many so driven to help others? Part 1 in a special 'Year of the Volunteer' series.

With 2026 being designated as the ‘Year of the Volunteers’, Red Vest launches the first in a series of podcasts exploring the key questions and challenges at the heart of volunteering. In this episode, we visit a welcome centre for refugees in Geneva, Switzerland where we explore the question at the heart of volunteering: what is it that drives people to help others, even when there’s no expectation of reward or reciprocation. In future episodes, we examine the critical role local volunteers play in addressing the world’s biggest challenges, the dangers and risks volunteers often face, and how volunteering often opens doors to new challenges and experiences for those who take the initiative to help others.

New Red Vest podcast episode: The volunteer heart — Why are so many people driven to help others in need?

Large-scale power disruptions in and around Kyiv leave 200,000 people without heating

Kyiv/Budapest/Geneva, 14 January – Ongoing attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and the resulting damage to heating and electricity networks have left large parts of Kyiv and nearby districts without essential services at the height of winter.Around 800 residential buildings in Kyiv City are without heating and electricity, affecting around 200,000 people. Other hard-hit regions include Bucha, Irpin, and Hostomel, where heating systems are almost completely down.The Ukrainian Red Cross, supported by IFRC and other partners, is scaling up its emergency response to support people who have been left in the dark and cold. Red Cross teams, in close coordination with the State Emergency Service, serve hot meals and warm drinks and provide phone charging stations in heating points across the capital and its suburbs, serving around 700 people daily. Psychosocial support is also available, with 10 psychologists and several trained volunteers deployed to assist people.Emergency repairs to energy systems are ongoing, but further attacks on energy infrastructure are likely, meaning humanitarian support will continue to be critical.Spokespeople from IFRC and the Ukrainian Red Cross based in Kyiv are available for interviews. For more information or to set up an interview, please contact: [email protected] Budapest: Nora Peter, +36 70 265 4020In Geneva: India Roberts-Smillie, +41 76 372 6251

Beyond the blackouts: Ukraine facing its hardest winter yet, IFRC warns

Kyiv/Budapest/Geneva, 14 November 2025 – This coming winter may be the hardest one in years for many people in Ukraine, warns the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).With savings exhausted, prices soaring, and livelihoods destroyed, millions now face a season where survival depends on the support of others. The Ukrainian Red Cross and the IFRC Network are scaling up their efforts - helping communities prepare before the cold sets in and supporting communities to survive through the hardest months of winter.Last winter, 60 per cent of people surveyed by the Ukrainian Red Cross said that they did not have enough food, and 50 per cent did not have stable access to water, electricity and gas.i“Almost four years of conflict have eroded people’s resources. Many families are entering this winter with no financial buffer – seven out of ten people said they don’t have any savings left,” said Jaime Wah, Deputy Head of Delegation for IFRC in Ukraine.Across Ukraine, frequent power cuts plunge neighbourhoods into darkness, cut heating, and force hospitals onto emergency power. For older people and vulnerable people in high-rise buildings, blackouts can mean hours or days of isolation without elevators, heat, and often without food or medicine.But the impact goes beyond that: shops are closing early, restaurants are losing their food stock, and farmers can’t store what they produce. Prices continue to rise as small businesses are closing, and people are losing their jobs.A plan to keep families warm and safeTo meet the rising needs, the IFRC Network and the Ukrainian Red Cross have launched a 38 million Swiss franc winterization plan that aims to reach nearly half a million people. Red Cross teams are mobilizing to reach vulnerable households across frontline and affected regions, distributing basic items, insulation materials and lighting kits. They are also helping with small repairs and replacing broken windows to keep houses warm.People living in rural areas will receive small grants for agricultural projects and veterinary assistance to help restore their livelihoods. The Red Cross is also assisting with the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure and developing local emergency capacities in communities, so that they are better prepared for the cold months ahead.We have been providing support to people for several years, but our resources are also running thin. The scale of the needs is overwhelming, and with each passing day, those needs only grow. There are still millions who need our help, and we are calling on governments and donors to invest in emergency response and long-term recovery,” said Jaime Wah.Note to editors:Under the IFRC Network’s winterization plan:18,000 people will receive cash assistance to cover essential winter expenses117,000 people will regain access to heat, energy, and clean water29,500 people will be assisted through evacuation and preparedness activities3,310 rural households will benefit from livelihood grants, veterinary assistance, and agricultural training150 communities will be equipped to better respond to emergenciesVisuals: photos and videos available here: LINKAudio: An interview on IFRC News, IFRC’s new weekly news podcast – on help for Ukrainians to prepare for the winter ahead.For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected] Bucharest: Diana Hohol, +40 730 865 106In Budapest: Nora Peter, +36 70 953 7709In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 4367

World Mental Health Day: New IFRC report reveals why mental health must be part of any emergency response.

Ukraine: IFRC President Kate Forbes reflects on the scars of conflict and the long road to recovery

by Kate Forbes, IFRC PresidentThe drive from Warsaw in Poland to Kyiv, the capital city of Ukraine, takes almost 15 hours. For some, this journey might feel like a trip to a distant land. But Ukraine is not far away—it is at the heart of Europe. What is happening here is not confined to this country or its people; its challenges resonate across the continent and beyond.As we travel through Ukraine’s small towns and villages, the signs of conflict become unmistakable. Remembrance walls display the faces of fallen soldiers, each photo a testament to a life cut short. Yet the true pain of war is carried by those left behind—the mothersand fatherswho have lost their sons, the wives who have lost their husbands, the sistersand brotherswho have lostbeloved siblings.Now entering its fourth year, the protracted conflict has left deep scars—on its land and people. The future remains uncertain as conflict and devastation continue to reshape Ukraine’s story. Yet amid the suffering, Ukraine stands as a powerful example of local leadership in humanitarian response. It has also become a symbol of solidarity, as countries and communities in Europe and beyond have opened their doors, extending compassion and care to those displaced.Ukraine’s crisis has tested the application of humanitarian principles. In a polarized global environment, where narratives often take sides, upholding neutrality and impartiality has become increasingly complex. One of the key lessons from the conflict in Ukraine is that while these principles remain vital, the foundation of all humanitarian action is the principle of humanity.Humanity—recognizing and responding to suffering simply because it exists. This principle, above all others, defines the true purpose of humanitarian work: saving lives, restoring dignity, and inspiring hope.The spirit of humanityThe Ukrainian Red Cross exemplifies this spirit, adapting to unprecedented challenges and delivering life-saving assistance rooted in local communities. Witnessing their work firsthand, especially in frontline areas, I was reminded of the phoenix rising from the ashes. Against unimaginable odds, they have reinvented themselves, embodying the resilience and solidarity of the Ukrainian people.The IFRC network has also demonstrated this spirit of solidarity and compassion, providing critical support to the Ukrainian Red Cross and assisting Ukrainians in neighbouring countries. Across the network, 60 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies worldwide have mobilized 2.3 billion CHF to support humanitarian efforts for Ukraine and for people from Ukraine.Yet, after three years, the challenges remain immense. Millions are still displaced, struggling to rebuild their lives. With savings depleted and the cost-of-living soaring, many have no choice but to return home. But returning is not what it once was—houses, schools, hospitals, and livelihoods have been destroyed. Access to healthcare and education is a daily struggle.Women playing a crucial roleOne aspect of this crisis that is often overlooked is the extraordinary role of women. While men have been fighting on the frontlines, it is women who have held families, communities, and livelihoods together. Millions of women have taken on the immense responsibility of caring for their children, elderly parents, and displaced relatives—often while struggling to earn an income, manage food shortages, and navigate the dangers of this conflict.Humanitarian actors have worked tirelessly since the escalation of the conflict, yet the scale of need is overwhelming. The nature of the crisis has shifted—from emergency response to long-term recovery—requiring a broader, more strategic approach. Meanwhile, global fatigue and aid cuts, coupled with economic strain on host countries, threaten to overshadow the urgency of Ukraine’s plight.To address the overwhelming needs of those affected by this crisis, a multidimensional approach is essential - one that goes beyond immediate relief. Recovery must be holistic, integrating sustained humanitarian aid, sustainable development, and political solutions.Invisible woundsFirst and foremost, the protection of civilians must remain at the center of all interventions. Beyond the physical destruction, the war has inflicted deep psychological wounds. Addressing mental health and trauma is as crucial as rebuilding homes and infrastructure. It is easier to reconstruct cities than to heal invisible wounds that, if left unaddressed, may pass from one generation to the next.Investing in initiatives that restore dignity and support mental well-being is essential to ensuring that Ukraine’s future is not shaped by the unhealed pain of this conflict. Since the escalation of the conflict, our National Red Cross Societies have been providing mental health services in Ukraine and 25 European countries. It is important to continue these services, as the conflict in Ukraine has led to an estimated 15 million people needing mental health and psychosocial support.Secondly, rebuilding Ukraine requires a vision of inclusion and resilience. This means prioritizing local leadership, investing in education and healthcare, and creating opportunities for different groups, including women. Their role in sustaining Ukraine through this crisis must be recognized—not just in rhetoric, but in policies that prioritize their inclusion in decision-making, economic recovery programs, and long-term peacebuilding efforts. It is critical to foster an environment where Ukrainians lead their own recovery.Finally, the world must acknowledge the broader geopolitical dimensions of this crisis. Humanitarian actors cannot operate in isolation; their work must be reinforced by diplomatic and political efforts that pave the way for long-term stability and recovery. The challenge now is to sustain humanitarian assistance for millions of people while all eyes suddenly turn to the peace process. The human cost of this conflict cannot be forgotten, and the needs of those affected must not be overshadowed by political negotiations.As our cars move further from Kyiv, I carry these reflections with me. Ukraine’s locally driven humanitarian response, despite its challenges, is a testament to the power of people’s resilience and solidarity.

'At a tipping point': Hardship for Ukrainians abroad

Kyiv, Budapest, Geneva, 14 February 2025 –A new report from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) highlights that financial hardship is pushing more displaced Ukrainians to return home even to front-line areas where devastation and the threat of violence remains high.The reportpaints a stark picture of people pushed to their limits both inside and outside of Ukraine. For those abroad, support systems are weakened, and living costs continue to rise. For many, especially older individuals, debt is mounting, healthcare is inaccessible, and the daily struggles are becoming overwhelming.“People are reaching a tipping point—between the hardship of displacement and the uncertainty of returning to potentially dangerous areas. Whether they stay or go, their needs are growing and require sustained support,” said Birgitte Bischoff Ebbesen, IFRC Regional Director for Europe.“Once they return to Ukraine, the humanitarian needs are significant – ranging from food and necessities to assistance finding employment. Still, many are returning to contribute to Ukraine’s rebuilding efforts, despite the immense challenges that await.”Key Findings from the Report:Economic strains driving people to return: Over half of those returning to Ukraine are doing so due to economic pressures, with 23 per cent reducing their food intake due to lack of resources.Returning to high-risk areas:27 per cent of returnees are settling in areas near the front lines, despite serious security risks. A shocking 79 per cent of returnees to frontline areas report urgent unmet humanitarian needs.Debt: One in three returning refugees are currently in debt, with 12 per cent facing crippling debt they are unable to pay back.Older populations at severe risk:54 per cent of displaced elderly Ukrainians rely on government aid, which is often insufficient. 32 per cent are living alone, increasing their vulnerability.Declining support: A drop in projected international aid in 2025 is putting critical humanitarian programmes at risk. The IFRC currently faces a CHF 280 million funding gap to sustain essential services for those affected.With millions of Ukrainians facing worsening conditions both at home and in host countries, the IFRC is urging governments, donors, and humanitarian partners to step up support for displaced populations.“Without urgent funding and policy action, we are pushing people into an impossible choice: poverty abroad or insecure conditions at home. We must do better,” said Ebbesen.The IFRC network continues to deliver critical aid, including emergency cash assistance, mental health support, and essential winter supplies to vulnerable populations in Ukraine and host countries globally.With one of the largest humanitarian responses in history, 60 Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are supporting people impacted by the Russia-Ukraine International Armed Conflict across the globe.However, sustained funding and policy commitments are crucial to ensuring displaced Ukrainians can rebuild their lives with dignity.*This analysis is based on data collected from 5,400 displaced Ukrainians, returnees, and communities affected by the crisis inside and outside Ukraine. It covers six countries across Europe as well as Ukraine.For more information, contact:For all media inquiries, reach out [email protected] Kyiv: Anastasiia Shvets, +380 99 408 5860In Budapest:Corrie Butler, +36 70 430 6506; Nora Peter, +36 70 265 4020In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 4367; Hannah Copeland, +41 76 236 9109

Taking on the ‘toxic’ hero narrative: Red Cross youth volunteer leader says it’s time to change the way we speak about and work with young volunteers

It’s quite common to refer to volunteers and first-responders as ‘heroes’. After all, they often risk their lives to save others. But in some cases, can that hero narrative do more harm than good? Ukraine Red Cross volunteer and IFRC Youth Commission member Maryna Kozhedub answers unequivocally ‘yes’, especially for young volunteers. Calling them heroes in conflict situations puts unreal expectations and pressure on people who are also impacted by crisis. “I am absolutely against hero narratives,” she says. “I'm about the narrative that volunteers work hard, but they are humans who have needs and should be protected and cared for, because this pressure would be enormous for anyone.”

Providing cash is one of the best ways to help people get back on their feet after crisis. Romania offers a recent case in point.

After the international armed conflict in Ukraine escalated in February 2022, one of the many people displaced was Tetiana, a Ukrainian woman who came to Romania with her two young children."We decided to leave because of the constant shelling," Tetiana recalls, who was living in Ukraine’s Mykolaiv Oblast before the escalation. “We were worried about safety, not so much for ourselves, but for our children.”When they arrived in Romania, one of the biggest challenges was the language barrier. However, with cash assistance from the IFRC and the Romanian Red Cross, Tetiana was able to cover basic expenses such as food, rent and clothing for her family.Despite the challenges, Tetiana found a way to give back to her community. She began teaching Ukrainian children who had also come to Romania.Tetiana is not alone. More than 6.9 million people from Ukraine have crossed the border into Romania, with over 177,000 of them receiving temporary protection.In response, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), together with the Romanian Red Cross, quickly mobilized to provide critical assistance: food, hygiene items, and vital information at key transit points across the country.During this crisis, the IFRC decided to use cash and voucher assistance (CVA) as a key component of its response. Since then, nearly 90,000 displaced people from Ukraine in Romania have received more than CHF 27 million in financial assistance from the IFRC and Romanian Red Cross."Through cash programs, we have been able to empower people who have left their homes in search of safety by giving them choices and allowing them to prioritize their most urgent needs," said Emilie Goller, Head of the IFRC Country Office in Romania.Partnership and lessons learnedAmong humanitarian organizations, CVA has become an integral part of many emergency response operations. Often used along with other forms of traditional, in-kind assistance, cash is a powerful way to get help to people in a dignified manner, while also supporting local suppliers and reducing shipping and logistics costs.Over time, humanitarian organizations have continued to learn better, more efficient ways to work together and improve CVA delivery and accountability. In Romania, several humanitarian organizations recently did just that, putting their heads together and sharing experiences deliveringСVA to Ukrainian refugees like Tetiana.In early September, for example, the IFRC, the Romanian Red Cross and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) organized a lessons-learned workshop on cash and voucher assistance in Bucharest, the country’s capital. More than 10 humanitarian organizations and agencies participated in the event."This workshop is an important opportunity for all of us to share the lessons we have learned, discuss the challenges we have faced, and explore ways to improve and expand our efforts in direct financial assistance," added Adrian Halpert, Secretary General of the Romanian Red Cross.Collectively, the organizations involved in the workshop have provided nearly CHF 48.5 million in assistance to people displaced from Ukraine to Romania over the past two years."Our progress in Romania is a testament to the power of working together,”says the IFRC’s Goller. “Through strong partnerships across sectors, organizations and governments, we have been able to make a real, tangible impact in addressing the crisis that unexpectedly erupted in the heart of Europe."Here are some of the key learnings:Collaboration is key: Effective partnerships are essential to ensure fairness and coherent eligibility criteria, to help organizations define and support the most vulnerable and support them and to minimize redundancies.Local capacity is important: Cash assistance requires different delivery mechanisms, security measures, and eligibility criteria than traditional forms of aid delivery. The more local organizations are ready to provide cash assistance, the easier and more sustainable it will become.Community engagement is crucial: Listening to the specific needs and realities in the communities being served is critical.For example, can local markets provide the needed goods? What amount is sufficient in the local markets?Understandings these factors, among many others, helps build trust and the local partnerships needed for effective humanitarian work.Risk identification and prevention: Proactively addressing potential risks ensures more effective interventions.Long-term planning and sustainability: Integrating cash assistance programs with national social protection systems helps ensure long-term support. Ukrainian Crisis Cash InterventionsTo date, the IFRC network has distributed over CHF 200 million, benefiting 2.8 million people with conditional and/or unconditional cash and voucher assistance in Ukraine and affected countries.For more information about how cash is used to make humanitarian interventions more effective and efficient please see these sources:Cash and voucher assistance at the IFRC

Ukraine and impacted countries crisis

Violaine des Rosiers: Why the Ukraine conflict should change the way we respond to large-scale crises

A 25-year veteran of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, Violaine des Rosiers has served as an emergency response humanitarian worker in more than 30 countries, including Palestine, Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, Liberia and, most recently, Ukraine. In her home country of Canada, she also served as CEO of two social innovation organizations. With all these experiences, she has a lot to say about ways humanitarians can innovate, improve and learn from the rapid changes and massive challenges of the 21st Century.

EU4Health and the IFRC

Adopted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the European Commission's EU4Health programme seeks to boost pandemic preparedness and build stronger, more resilient and more accessible health systems. A key part of the EU4Health programme includes an historic and ambitious partnership with the IFRC to provide psychological first aid and mental health services to people throughout Europe who have been impacted by the conflict in Ukraine.

A sense of ‘futurelessness’: new data shows severity of mental health challenges for people from Ukraine

Geneva/Brussels - 10 April 2024More than two years of armed conflict - with no end in sight - is leading to a sense of ‘futurelessness’ for displaced people from Ukraine, experts said at a conference in Brussels. Despite the incredible resilience people have been showing, this experience is likely to have a long-term impact on their mental health if not addressed in time.The conference was organised by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies as part of aEuropean Union-funded EU4Health project, which aims to provide mental health and psychosocial support services for people affected by the ongoing conflict. Speakers included Stella Kyriakides, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, and Xavier Castellanos Mosquera, Under Secretary General for the IFRC. Participants discussed the mental health needs of those forced to leave their homes, based on a recent survey conducted by the IFRC. Findings include:83% of people affected by the conflict said they or family members had faced stressful or traumatic events. Two-thirds said displacement had had a negative impact on them. Of those surveyed, 79% were outside Ukraine, 21% inside.30% of displaced Ukrainians had sought some form of psychological support since the escalation of the conflict in 2022, which reveals a demand for mental health services.Ganna Goloktionova, Technical Advisor in the IFRC’s Psychosocial Centre, said that uncertainty about the future was the top source of stress for Ukrainians. She emphasised that the combined toll of ongoing armed conflict, insecurity through displacement, the destruction of family structures, the temporary nature of protection, and financial stresses all negatively contribute to displaced Ukrainians’ mental health.“Many Ukrainians can’t see a future.” she said. “This state of ‘futurelessness’ is having a devastating impact on the mental health of Ukrainians, both those in Ukraine and refugees in countries elsewhere.”Xavier Castellanos Mosquera, IFRC Under Secretary General said:“Intervention at the right time can help and, in the long term, give people their futures back. Psychosocial support programmes are some of the least expensive activities in humanitarian responses. But they can have a priceless impact.”Birgitte Bischoff Ebbesen, IFRC Regional Director for Europe said:“We know how vital mental health interventions can be, particularly when provided early. Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers from Ukraine and host communities build the necessary trust that helps us in addressing the stigma that still, sadly, surrounds mental health.”Across Europe, 37 Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies are providing mental health and psychosocial support services and have reached 1.2 million people.BackgroundThere is an EU-funded collaboration between the IFRC, the European Commission’s Directorate General for Health and Food Safety, and National Red Cross Societies in Ukraine and 24 European countries to provide psychosocial support to people from Ukraine since May 2022. This programme has supported more than 200,000 affected people and has seen 11,000 health professionals and volunteers trained in mental health and psychosocial support.Listen to IFRC’s People in the Red Vest podcast episode:Nataliia Korniienko: Helping her fellow refugees cope with the stresses of conflict, migration and starting over | IFRCFor further details or interview requests contactGeneva – Andrew Thomas +41 763676587Brussels – Zsofia Varga +36 70 508 5718

Ukraine: Helping people get back on their feet after severe injury

Across Ukraine, people deal with the daily reality of air alerts and fear. Areas remain under evacuation, and some people cannot return home.But in many parts of Ukraine, recovery has begun and it’s about more than the reconstruction of buildings and infrastructure. It’s about restoring people’s health, livelihoods and wellbeing.The Ukrainian Red Cross (URCS) contributed to the creation of the National Rehabilitation Center Unbroken in Lviv, where recovery comes in the form of treatment, rehabilitation, and in some cases prosthetics."In the time since the injury, I had already learned to cope with many things using just one arm,” says Valentin Anohin, a physical education teacher who lost his arm due to injury in the conflict. “But when I put on the prosthesis, I felt how much easier my daily routine became. Now I can do everything twice as fast."After five months of rehabilitation, Anohin realized his dream. Using the prosthetic, he successfully threw a basketball straight into the hoop.From fear to confidenceYana Kovalova lost her leg due after an explosion in her backyard in Donetsk. Found by neighbours, she was evacuated and had surgery before being stabilized and moving across Ukraine to the Unbroken centre."Physical therapists started working with me immediately here,” she says. “At first, I was afraid to even stumble on crutches – let alone climb stairs. But with each session, I feel more and more confident."Vyacheslav Aleksandrov‘s experience started with questions.“The first feelings after the injury were fear. What to do next? How will all this be?” he said, adding the process is different for everyone."My acquaintance, whose limb amputation was not high, started walking in just three weeks. For someone else, it's a complex and lengthy process, involving both group and individual work."“Psychological support is crucial."‘She really inspires me’With support from the IFRC and other partners, URCS look for new ways to engage and support people with disabilities. Red Cross also supports mental health at Unbroken.“We help them to stabilize their mental feelings. Sometimes they lose their houses or their relatives,” said Sofia Nevoyt, a psychotherapist at the Unbroken centre.One of her clients was injured very badly. “But she was very motivated,” she said. “She told that when this event happened she was even shouting, ‘I want to live.’”“Her progress was very good and I really love to work with her because she inspires me too.”URCS contributes to the recovery of local communities by supporting access to health, mental health, and social care services. Psychosocial support and rehabilitation programs will continue to be focal points for URCS in the years ahead.

Ukraine: Two years on, IFRC warns of increasing debt creating unstable futures for millions 

Geneva / Budapest / Kyiv 16 February 2024 – Two years since the Russia-Ukraine international armed conflict escalated, the human cost is insurmountable, with no end in sight. Not only have many lost their loved ones, homes, livelihoods, and savings, but millions of Ukrainians are struggling under increasing debt. Some people have been able to start over, but others see their needs only increasing at a time when humanitarian and government programmes are narrowing or ending altogether.A survey commissioned by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has found that more than 50 per cent of people in Ukraine and living in other parts of Europe still have urgent unmet needs like medical assistance, accommodation, and employment. This is forcing them to assume debt or to accept underpaid, marginalized, or dangerous employment. On top of that, the mental health and psychosocial toll is mounting.IFRC Europe Regional Director, Birgitte Bischoff Ebbesen said:“Many people inside and outside Ukraine have had to start over from zero. For marginalized groups, like the elderly, the needs skyrocket further as they are more isolated, and struggle to access services and income opportunities. Amid soaring inflation and economic uncertainty, relying on small and irregular income for two years has depleted people’s savings.”In neighbouring countries, a third of people from Ukraine are borrowing money to survive. Families may spend more than a fifth of their income servicing debt, which can be a great burden and a source of anxiety. Nearly 60 per cent of respondents’ primary stress is the overall situation in Ukraine and almost half of people surveyed have said they are anxious about the uncertain future they and their family face.IFRC’s network of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has allowed for a truly global response, ensuring 18 million people are receiving support across 60 countries. This includes immediate relief assistance, health and care, mental health, and psychosocial support, as well as support to housing. Cash assistance has been a lifeline for more than 1.1 million people in Ukraine and across Europe, preventing them from falling into even greater debt, and helping with rent, healthcare, and education.Inside Ukraine, fighting and shelling are still an everyday reality to millions. People are living with this uncertainty and pervasive stress every day. Winter conditions have made it even more difficult when many houses are damaged or destroyed and water, gas and electricity supplies are limited. In hardest hit areas, essential services are difficult to access, and people face shortages of food, water and medicine. Around 55 per cent of the population in hardest hit oblasts expressed requiring urgent unmet needs with only 23 per cent having access to humanitarian assistance. Ukrainian Red Cross Director General, Maksym Dotsenko said:"Millions of people have lost their near and dear ones; their homes and all the property they had. They have to start their lives from scratch. Despite constant shelling and damaged infrastructure, the Ukrainian Red Cross managed to help more than 12 million people. Thanks to the powerful work of our team, who make tireless efforts twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, we were able to provide the most vulnerable with basic necessities, evacuate them from hazardous locations and be where our help is most needed."The Ukrainian Red Cross is working hard to provide emergency services to those impacted by the ongoing fighting, while also supporting the recovery and reconstruction efforts in many parts of Ukraine. This includes social care services, assistance with home repairs, small business loans, and vocational training that allows people to build on skills and retrain for new careers.“Despite the incredible impact we and others have made, now is not the time to turn a blind eye. The global attention and resources for Ukraine are waning but the humanitarian needs remain. By investing in social integration and rehabilitation programmes and local emergency response capacities, it is our ambition to help communities in Ukraine and impacted countries become stronger and more resilient than before,” said Ebbesen.More about the work of the IFRC network:supporting 18 million people impacted in Ukraine and around the globeThrough more than 60 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies globally responding to the needs of people from Ukraine, in the last two years the IFRC network has helped 18 million people with immediate relief assistance. The network has also helped 1.8 million people with health and care support including 1.1 million with mental health and psychosocial support. To help tackle shortages in housing, 2.2 million have received support in accommodation by host communities.Cash assistance has been a lifeline for more than 1.1 million people in Ukraine and across Europe, preventing them from falling into even greater debt, helping with rent and utilities, healthcare, and education expenses.Language and integration into host communities is still a major barrier. Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are offering language classes, community groups, and vocational training, making it easier for displaced people to find a job, connect better with communities and become self-sustainable.Using their relationships in communities, the Ukrainian Red Cross is playing a key role in setting up rehabilitation and mental health services. Staff and volunteers are offering social care services, assistance with home repairs, small business loans, and vocational training that allows people to build on skills and retrain for new careers.IFRC’s Ukraine and impacted country appeal has a 38 per cent funding shortfallThe IFRC emergency appeal has only received 62 per cent of the funding requested, leaving a significant gap in resources to address the increasingly severe needs of the impacted population today. Investment in both immediate humanitarian assistance and longer-term social integration and rehabilitation programmes is critical to help communities in Ukraine and impacted countries become stronger and more resilient than before.Data links:IMPACT survey: https://dashboards.impact-initiatives.org/reg/longitudinal_surveys/IFRC Post-Distribution Monitoring Survey: https://go.ifrc.org/emergencies/5854/additional-info/multi-purpose-cash-and-pdmFor more information or to request an interview, please contact:[email protected] Kyiv: Angela Hill, +380 50 347 8527In Budapest:Edgar Zuniga, +36 20 377 7221In Geneva:Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 43 67 Andrew Thomas, +41 76 367 65 87

Nataliia Korniienko: Helping her fellow refugees cope with the stresses of conflict, migration and starting over

Nataliia Korniienko knows firsthand the psychological and emotional stresses of conflict, migration and living as a refugee. In 2022, she was a mental health and psychosocial field officer for the ICRC when conflict finally forced her and her daughter to leave for Poland. Now her experience as a psychologist, former Ukrainian Red Cross technical adviser and refugee is helping her provide services to other Ukrainian refugees throughout Europe as a mental health and psychsocial specialist for the IFRC.

Breaking the silence: addressing mental health and fighting stigma in the aftermath of Ukraine's conflict

Since the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine, millions of people have been displaced from their homes, facing distressing situations that have left them with trauma and loss. The impact of this crisis on mental health cannot be underestimated, with one in five individuals affected by mental health disorders in post-conflict settings, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). The conflict in Ukraine has been devastating, forcing 6,199,700 people to flee their homes as refugees around the world, with an additional 5,088,000 internally displaced within Ukraine itself. These individuals have endured heartbreaking losses, including the deaths of loved ones, the destruction of their homes, and the loss of their livelihoods. Witnessing traumatic events has further compounded the mental anguish faced by many. Since the beginning of the conflict, Red Cross and Red Crescent staff and volunteers have been on the ground, assisting people at border crossing points, train stations, and temporary shelters. They have been providing a listening ear, demonstrating empathy, sharing life-saving information, and taking care of vulnerable individuals. In neighboring countries, IFRC member National Societies are witnessing an increasing number of pleas for mental health assistance through their community feedback systems. To address this massive need for mental health and psychosocial support, IFRC, the IFRC Psychosocial Centre, and National Red Cross Societies in Ukraine and 24 European countries have united their efforts. Since 2022 June, the EU4Health program provides in-person Psychological First Aid (PFA) within Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) services, via helplines and other service platforms, and by building and strengthening the capacities of Red Cross Red Crescent National Society staff and volunteers, frontline responders and other professionals. “Through this project, we are continuously creating the awareness to all that it is okay to take a break and prioritize your emotional, psychological, and social well-being especially in stressful situations,” says Basilio Muiruri acting Project Coordinator of Health and Care at IFRC Europe. “As a team together with the national societies’ staff and volunteers, we are emphasizing to the people fleeing Ukraine and those affected inside Ukraine, that indeed they are worthy of happiness and peace of mind, through provision of psychological first aid and basic coping skills.” As part of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE), the EU4Health programme takes a comprehensive approach to mental health and psychosocial support. Funded by the European Union, EU4Health is committed to restoring hope and healing to the people of Ukraine during their time of greatest need. In this collaborative project, National Red Cross Societies in Ukraine and 24 European countries have achieved significant milestones in their mission in the last year to provide psychosocial support to individuals displaced from Ukraine. Some key accomplishments include: Establishment of 27 helplines providing Psychological First Aid and Psychosocial Support services to 68,706 people displaced from Ukraine. Training of 4,114 staff and volunteers in Psychological First Aid and Psychosocial Support, including 440 who are Ukrainian or Russian speakers. Engagement of 1,853 staff, volunteers, and first responders in the response to the Ukraine crisis. Facilitation of 490 meetings between National Societies, key stakeholders, and partners to ensure a coordinated response. Mental health is a neglected area of public health in the WHO European Region, with over 150 million people suffering from mental health conditions by 2021. Only 1 in 3 individuals with depression receive proper care, according to The Pan-European Mental Health Coalition (who.int). The conflict in Ukraine has led to an estimated 15 million people needing psychosocial support, with millions potentially requiring medical treatment. Stigma, discrimination, and human rights abuses still hinder access to mental health services. World Mental Health Day on October 10th serves as an opportunity to raise awareness and address gaps in mental health services, with a focus on it being a universal human right in 2023. The content of this article is the sole responsibility of IFRC and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

IFRC releases findings on Belarus Red Cross Secretary General: call for dismissal

This statement is available in English and in Belarusian, Russian and Ukrainian below. Geneva, 3 October 2023– The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) investigation found that the current Belarus Red Cross Secretary General breached Red Cross Red Crescent Fundamental Principles, misused the emblem, and breached the IFRC integrity policy. The IFRC’s Compliance and Mediation Committee (CMC) performed an investigation into the allegations related to the Belarus Red Cross Secretary General’s statements, including on nuclear weapons and on the movement of children to Belarus, and his visit to Luhansk and Donetsk. The IFRC Governing Board endorsed the CMC findings and recommendations, and sanctioned Mr Dmitry Shevtsov, Secretary General of Belarus Red Cross, due to him having acted in breach of the Integrity Policy, by preventing him from holding any governance positions in the IFRC until further notice. The Governing Board also called for the following: On the Belarus Red Cross to dismiss Mr Dmitry Shevtsov, the current Secretary General, by 30 November 2023. For the suspension of any new partnership and funding to the Belarus Red Cross, if the National Society does not comply with the decision of the Governing Board by 30 November 2023, asking the other components of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement to do the same. Although there was a lack of access to Luhansk and Donetsk, the investigation still found that the movement of children from these territories to Belarus was led by another organization, and not by the Belarus Red Cross, nor funded by the IFRC. The investigation found that the Belarus Red Cross’ involvement in activities with children is focused inside Belarus, supporting people displaced by conflict. The Belarus Red Cross needs to comply with these decisions by 30 November 2023. This gives the Belarus Red Cross the time to comply with its internal rules and call for its Congress to take the requested actions. If the Belarus Red Cross does not take the necessary actions to remove the current Secretary General, its membership rights will be suspended automatically on 30 November 2023. At that point, any new funding will be suspended until the removal of the current Belarus Red Cross Secretary General as he was found to be solely responsible for all the allegations: his actions were carried out alone and not with the agreement of the National Society. If suspended from membership status, the Belarus Red Cross will lose its rights as a member of the IFRC. Funding through the Belarus Red Cross will be suspended, and the Belarus Red Cross will not be able to participate in the General Assembly of the IFRC, vote or be elected in any IFRC statutory meeting. Neutrality is critical in every context, even more so during an international armed conflict: the IFRC cannot accept any politicization or manipulation of its humanitarian activities. Every National Red Cross Red Crescent Society needs to follow the Fundamental Principles and be far from every political action. This makes the difference between life and death for many. Neutrality and integrity are essential to the delivery of the IFRC’s mission, which is why as the world’s largest humanitarian network we have protocols in place to sanction individuals and National Societies who do not live up to these principles. Though rare, these decisions ultimately make this mission stronger. In the case of suspension of membership, the suspension will be revoked by the Governing Board and the Belarus Red Cross will be reinstated immediately to the IFRC, and funds will be released, after the removal of the current Secretary General that would indicate the distancing of the National Society from his actions. The IFRC’s commitment to Belarus remains strong. The IFRC will help develop a transition plan to ensure that services to vulnerable communities do not suffer. Belarus Red Cross volunteers work tirelessly to help communities prepare for and respond to crises. IFRC is hopeful that this decision will help them move forward in delivering our mission. The IFRC remains committed to supporting a strong and vibrant Belarus Red Cross—and encourages Belarus Red Cross volunteers, staff and members to remain engaged in their National Society. -- Belarusian МФТЧКіЧП апублублікавала вынікі расследавання дзейнасці Генеральнага сакратара Беларускага Чырвонага Крыжа. Заклік да адстаўкі. Жэнева, 3 кастрычніка 2023. Расследаванне Міжнароднай Федэрацыі таварыстваў Чырвонага Крыжа і Чырвонага Паўмесяца (МФТЧКіЧП) паказала, што дзеючы Генеральны сакратар Беларускага Чырвонага Крыжа парушыў Асноўныя прынцыпы Руху Чырвонага Крыжа і Чырвонага Паўмесяца, правілы выкарыстання яго эмблем і Палітыку добрасумленнасці МФТЧКіЧП. Камітэт па выкананні прававых нормаў і пасярэдніцтве МФТЧКіЧП правёў расследаванне абвінавачанняў, выкліканых афіцыйнымі заявамі Генеральнага сакратара Беларускага Чырвонага Крыжа, у тым ліку аб ядзернай зброі і перамяшчэнні дзяцей у Беларусь, а таксама ў сувязі з яго візітам у Луганск і Данецк. Праўленне МФТЧКіЧП падтрымала высновы і рэкамендацыі Камітэта па выкананні прававых нормаў і пасярэдніцтве і, у сувязі з парушэннем Генеральным сакрактаром Беларускага Чырвонага Крыжа Дзмітрыем Шаўцовым Палітыкі добрасумленнасці, падвергнула апошняга абмежавальным мерам, забаранiўшы яму займаць якія-небудзь кіруючыя пасады ў МФТЧКіЧП да далейшага апавяшчэння. Праўленне таксама заклікае: Беларускі Чырвоны Крыж вызваліць Генеральнага сакратара Дзмітрыя Шаўцова ад займаемай пасады не пазней за 30 лістапада 2023 года. Устрымацца ад новых партнёрскіх абавязацельстваў у дачыненні да Беларускага Чырвонага Крыжа, у тым ліку фінансавання, у выпадку, калі Нацыянальнае Таварыства не выканае рашэнне Праўлення да 30 лістапада 2023 года. Праўленне звяртаецца да іншых кампанентаў Руху Чырвонага Крыжа і Чырвонага Паўмесяца з просьбай зрабіць тое ж самае. Нягледзячы на адсутнасць доступу ў Луганск і Данецк, у выніку расследавання было ўстаноўлена, што перамяшчэнне дзяцей з гэтых тэрыторый у Беларусь ажыццяўлялася не Беларускім Чырвоным Крыжом, а іншай арганізацыяй, а таксама не фінансавалася МФТЧКіЧП. У ходзе расследавання было ўстаноўлена, што ўдзел Беларускага Чырвонага Крыжа ў дзейнасці з дзецьмі засяроджаны ўнутры краіны і накіраваны на падтрымку людзей, перамешчаных у выніку канфлікту. Беларускі Чырвоны Крыж павінен выканаць гэтыя рашэнні да 30 лістапада 2023 года. Дадзеная ўмова дае Беларускаму Чырвонаму Крыжу час выканаць унутраныя правілы і звярнуцца да З'езду Беларускага Чырвонага Крыжа з просьбай прыняць патрабаваныя меры. Калі Беларускі Чырвоны Крыж не прыме неабходных дзеянняў для адхілення дзеючага Генеральнага сакратара, членскія правы Нацыянальнага таварыства будуць аўтаматычна прыпынены 30 лістапада 2023 года. Пасля гэтага любое новае фінансаванне не будзе прадастаўляцца да моманту адхілення ад пасады дзейнага Генеральнага сакратара Беларускага Чырвонага Крыжа, паколькі было ўстаноўлена, што ён нясе поўную адказнасць за ўсе абвінавачанні. Яго дзеянні ажыццяўляліся аднаасобна і без узгаднення з Нацыянальным таварыствам. У выпадку прыпынення членства Беларускі Чырвоны Крыж страціць свае правы як член МФТЧКіЧП. Фінансаванне праз Беларускі Чырвоны Крыж будзе прыпынена і Нацыянальнае таварыства не зможа ўдзельнічаць у Генеральнай Асамблеі МФТЧКіЧП, галасаваць або быць абраным на любой статутнай нарадзе МФТЧКіЧП. Нейтральнасць вельмі важная ў любым кантэксце; асаблівую важнасць яна набывае ва ўмовах міжнароднага ўзброенага канфлікту. МФТЧКіЧП не можа мірыцца з палітызацыяй ці маніпуляваннем гуманітарнай дзейнасцю. Кожнае Нацыянальнае таварыства Чырвонага Крыжа і Чырвонага Паўмесяца павінна прытрымлівацца Асноўных прынцыпаў і захоўваць дыстанцыю ад палітычных дзеянняў. Ад гэтага залежаць жыцці шматлікіх людзей. Нейтральнасць і добрасумленнасць з'яўляюцца найважнейшымі ўмовамі выканання місіі МФТЧКіЧП. Таму, будучы найбуйнейшай у свеце гуманітарнай арганізацыяй, МФТЧКіЧП мае пратаколы, якія прадугледжваюць санкцыі ў дачыненні да асобных асоб і Нацыянальных таварыстваў, якія не выконваюць такія прынцыпы. Няхай такія рашэнні і прымаюцца рэдка, мы перакананыя, што ў канчатковым выніку яны робяць нашу місію мацнейшай. У выпадку прыпынення членства, пасля адхілення дзеючага Генеральнага сакратара, якое сведчыць аб дыстанцыяванні Нацыянальнага таварыства ад дзеянняў апошняга, Беларускі Чырвоны Крыж будзе зноў неадкладна прыняты ў МФТЧКіЧП. У выпадку прыпынення членства прыпыненне будзе адменена Праўленнем, і членства Беларускага Чырвонага Крыжа будзе неадкладна адноўлена ў МФТЧКіЧП, а таксама будуць выдзелены сродкі, пасля адхілення дзейнага Генеральнага сакратара, што будзе сведчыць аб дыстанцыяванні Нацыянальнага таварыства ад яго дзеянняў. Прыхільнасць МФТЧКіЧП Беларусі застаецца цвёрдай. МФТЧКіЧП дапаможа распрацаваць план дзеянняў на пераходны перыяд, каб не дапусціць пагаршэння паслуг, якія прадстаўляюцца ўразлівым супольнасцям. Валанцёры Беларускага Чырвонага Крыжа нястомна працуюць, дапамагаючы насельніцтву рыхтавацца да крызісных сітуацый і рэагаваць на іх. МФТЧКіЧП спадзяецца, што сапраўднае рашэнне дапаможа ім рушыць наперад у выкананні нашай місіі. МФТЧКіЧП па-ранейшаму адданая падтрымцы моцнага і энергічнага Беларускага Чырвонага Крыжа і заклікае валанцёраў, супрацоўнікаў і членаў Беларускага Чырвонага Крыжа працягваць удзельнічаць у працы свайго Нацыянальнага таварыства. -- Russian МФОККиКП обнародовала результаты расследования деятельности Генерального секретаря Белорусского Красного Креста. Призыв к отставке Женева, 3октября2023г. Расследование Международной Федерации обществ Красного Креста и Красного Полумесяца (МФОККиКП) показало, что действующий Генеральный секретарь Белорусского Красного Креста нарушил Основополагающие принципы Движения Красного Креста и Красного Полумесяца, правила использования его эмблем и Политику добросовестности МФОККиКП. Комитет по соблюдению правовых норм и посредничеству МФОККиКП провел расследование обвинений, вызванных официальными заявлениями Генерального секретаря Белорусского Красного Креста, в том числе о ядерном оружии и перемещении детей в Беларусь, а также в связи с его визитом в Луганск и Донецк. Правление МФОККиКП поддержало выводы и рекомендации Комитета по соблюдению правовых норм и посредничеству и, в связи с нарушением Генеральным секретарем Белорусского Красного Креста Дмитрием Шевцовым Политики добросовестности, подвергло последнего ограничительным мерам, запретив ему занимать какие-либо руководящие должности в МФОККиКП до дальнейшего уведомления. Правление также призывает: Белорусский Красный Крест освободить Генерального секретаря Дмитрия Шевцова от занимаемой должности не позднее 30ноября2023года. Воздержаться от новых партнерских обязательств в отношении Белорусского Красного Креста, включая финансирование, в случае, если Национальное общество не выполнит решение Правления до 30ноября 2023года. Правление обращается к другим компонентам Движения Красного Креста и Красного Полумесяца с просьбой поступить аналогичным образом. Несмотря на отсутствие доступа в Луганск и Донецк, в результате расследования было установлено, что перемещение детей с данных территорий в Беларусь осуществлялось не Белорусским Красным Крестом, а другой организацией, а также не финансировалось МФОККиКП. В ходе расследования было установлено, что участие Белорусского Красного Креста в работе с детьми сосредоточено внутри страны и направлено на поддержку людей, перемещенных в результате конфликта. Белорусский Красный Крест должен выполнить настоящие решения до 30ноября 2023года. Данное условие дает Белорусскому Красному Кресту время соблюсти внутренние правила и обратиться к Съезду Белорусского Красного Креста с просьбой принять требуемые меры. Если Белорусский Красный Крест не предпримет необходимых действий для отстранения действующего Генерального секретаря, членские права Национального общества будут автоматически приостановлены 30ноября 2023года. После этого любое новое финансирование не будет предоставляться до момента отстранения от должности действующего Генерального секретаря Белорусского Красного Креста, поскольку было установлено, что он несет полную ответственность за все обвинения. Его действия осуществлялись единолично и без согласования с Национальным обществом. В случае приостановления членских прав Белорусский Красный Крест перестанет быть членом МФОККиКП. Финансирование через Белорусский Красный Крест будет приостановлено, и Национальное общество не сможет участвовать в Генеральной Ассамблее МФОККиКП, голосовать или быть избранным на любом уставном совещании МФОККиКП. Нейтральность крайне важна в любом контексте; особую важность она приобретает в условиях международного вооруженного конфликта. МФОККиКП не может мириться с политизацией или манипулированием гуманитарной деятельностью. Каждое Национальное общество Красного Креста и Красного Полумесяца должно следовать Основополагающим принципам и сохранять дистанцию от политических действий. От этого зависят жизни многих людей. Нейтральность и добросовестность являются важнейшими условиями выполнения миссии МФОККиКП. Поэтому, будучи крупнейшей в мире гуманитарной организацией, в МФОККиКП имеет протоколы, предусматривающие санкции в отношении отдельных лиц и Национальных обществ, не соблюдающих такие принципы. Пусть такие решения и принимаются редко, мы убеждены, что в конечном итоге они делают нашу миссию сильнее. В случае приостановления членства, после отстранения действующего Генерального секретаря, свидетельствующего о дистанцировании Национального общества от действий последнего, Белорусский Красный Крест будет вновь немедленно принят в МФОККиКП. Приверженность МФОККиКП Беларуси остается твердой. МФОККиКП поможет разработать план действий на переходный период, чтобы не допустить ухудшения предоставляемых уязвимым сообществам услуг. Волонтеры Белорусского Красного Креста неустанно работают, помогая населению готовиться к кризисным ситуациям и реагировать на них. МФОККиКП надеется, что настоящее решение поможет им продвинуться вперед в выполнении нашей миссии. МФОККиКП по-прежнему привержена поддержке сильного и энергичного Белорусского Красного Креста и призывает волонтеров, сотрудников и членов Белорусского Красного Креста продолжать участвовать в работе своего Национального общества. -- Ukrainian МФТЧХіЧП оприлюднила результати розслідування діяльності Генерального секретаря Білоруського Червоного Хреста: заклик до відсторонення Женева, 3 жовтня 2023 р. – Розслідування Міжнародної Федерації Товариств Червоного Хреста і Червоного Півмісяця дійшло висновку, що чинний Генеральний секретар Білоруського Червоного Хреста порушив Основоположні принципи Руху Червоного Хреста і Червоного Півмісяця, правила використання його емблеми і Політику добросовісності МФТЧХіЧП. Комітет із дотримання вимог і посередництва МФТЧХіЧП (далі – Комітет) провів розслідування звинувачень, пов’язаних із заявами Генерального секретаря Червоного Хреста Білорусі, зокрема щодо ядерної зброї та переміщення дітей до Білорусі, а також із його візитом до Луганська та Донецька. Правління МФЧХіЧП (далі – Правління) схвалило висновки та рекомендації Комітету і наклало санкції на пана Дмитра Шевцова, Генерального секретаря Білоруського Червоного Хреста, через те, що він діяв всупереч Політиці добросовісності, заборонивши йому обіймати будь-які керівні посади в МФЧХіЧП до подальшого розпорядження. Правління також закликає до наступного: Білоруський Червоний Хрест має звільнити пана Дмитра Шевцова, чинного Генерального секретаря, до 30 листопада 2023 року. Утриматися від будь-яких нових партнерських зобов'язань та від фінансування Білоруського Червоного Хреста, якщо Національне Товариство не виконає рішення Правління до 30 листопада 2023 року. Правління також звертається до інших компонентів Руху Червоного Хреста і Червоного Півмісяця з проханням вчинити так само. Попри відсутність доступу у Луганськ і Донецьк, під час розслідування було встановлено, що переміщення дітей з даних територій у Білорусь здійснювалося не Білоруським Червоним Хрестом, а іншою організацією, а також не фінансувалося МФТЧХіЧП. Під час розслідування також було встановлено, що Білоруський Червоний Хрест здійснює діяльність пов'язану з дітьми на територіїБілорусі, і вона спрямована на підтримку людей, переміщених внаслідок конфлікту. Білоруський Червоний Хрест має виконати ці рішення до 30 листопада 2023 року. Ця умова дає Білоруському Червоному Хресту час на дотримання внутрішніх правил та на заклик вжити необхідних заходів на період до наступного З'їзду Білоруського Червоного Хреста. Якщо Білоруський Червоний Хрест не вдастся до необхідних заходів для звільнення чинного Генерального секретаря, права Національного Товариства, як члена МФТЧХіЧП, будуть призупинені автоматично з 30 листопада 2023 року. З цього моменту будь-яке нове фінансування буде призупинено до моменту звільнення чинного секретаря Білоруського Червоного Хреста, адже було встановлено його повну відповідальність у всіхзвинуваченнях. Його дії були одноосібними і неузгодженими з Національним Товариством. У разі призупинення членства Білоруський Червоний Хрест більше не буде членом МФТЧХіЧП. Фінансування Білоруського Червоного Хреста буде призупинено, і Національне Товариство не зможе брати участь у Генеральній асамблеї МФТЧХіЧП, голосувати чи бути обраним на будь-якій статутній зустрічі МФТЧХіЧП. Нейтральність має вирішальне значення в будь-якому контексті, особливо під час міжнародного збройного конфлікту: МФТЧХіЧП не може прийняти будь-яку політизацію або маніпулювання своєю гуманітарною діяльністю. Кожне Національне Товариство Червоного Хреста і Червоного Півмісяця має дотримуватись Основоположних принципів і бути відстороненим від політичних дій. Від цього залежать життя багатьох людей. Нейтральність і добросовісність є важливими для виконання місії МФТЧХіЧП, тому, як найбільша гуманітарна мережа в світі, ми маємо протоколи для застосування санкцій до осіб і Національних Товариств, які не дотримуються цих принципів. Хоча такі рішення приймаються рідко, ми впевнені, що зрештою вони роблять нашу місію сильнішою. У разі призупинення членства, після відсторонення чинного Генерального секретаря, що свідчитиме про дистанціювання Національного Товариства від дій останнього, Білоруський Червоний Хрест буде негайно прийнято до МФТЧХіЧП знову. Зобов’язання МФТЧХіЧП щодо Білорусі залишаються міцними. МФТЧХіЧП сприятиме розробці плану дій у переходний період, щоб гарантувати, що послуги для вразливих громад не постраждають. Волонтери Білоруського Червоного Хреста невтомно працюють, щоб допомогти громадам підготуватися до кризових ситуацій і реагувати на них. МФТЧХіЧП сподівається, що це рішення допоможе їм рухатися вперед у виконанні нашої місії. МФТЧХіЧП продовжує підтримувати сильний і активний Білоруський Червоний Хрест і заохочує волонтерів, співробітників і членів Білоруського Червоного Хреста продовжувати роботу у своєму Національному Товаристві.

Three months after the Kakhovka Dam disaster, Ukraine Red Cross still stands by affected communities

When the Kakhovka Dam in southern Ukraine collapsed in June, a torrent of water poured over downstream towns and farmlands, reducing homes to rubble and leading to the tragic loss of many lives. The flood swept up everything in its path, washing farm animals, unexploded mines, hazardous chemicals and dangerous bacteria—such as salmonella, E. coli, and cholera—down toward the Dnipro-Buh Delta on the Black Sea. The Ukraine Red Cross Society’s (URCS) response to the dam disaster was swift. From the moment the dam collapsed, their volunteers began evacuating people from flooded areas and distributing essentials such as food, hygiene products and water purification equipment. Psychosocial support specialists were also on hand to help people cope during those difficult first days. But recovering from a disaster like this doesn’t happen overnight. Three months on, URCS teams remain firmly by the side of communities to help them get their lives back on track. “People's needs have changed but have not disappeared," says Serhiy Moroz, a URCS volunteer. "In many populated areas, people are attempting to return to their previous lives in damaged housing and amidst disruptions in centralized water supply services. Often, water systems are simply non-existent, leaving people to suffer from a lack of clean water. This creates significant household challenges as well as risks to public health." The IFRC recently deployed an Emergency Response Unit or 'ERU'—a team of specialized personnel and equipment from across the IFRC network—to Kropyvnytskyi city to support the Ukraine Red Crescent Society’s work restoring access to safe water. Marco Skodak, the ERU team leader, details their efforts: "We're launching Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) activities in response to the dam's destruction. URCS volunteers are undergoing training to provide assistance, and, working alongside our specialists, they are already on the ground conducting needs assessments and establishing crucial water purification systems and pipelines." By training up the Ukraine Red Cross Society in this way, the IFRC network is ensuring that communities get the long-term assistance they need to recover, and that volunteers have an even greater ability to respond should a similar disaster ever occur in future. -- Click here to learn about how the IFRC is supporting local humanitarian action, including the different types of ERUs we can deploy. And click here to learn more about the IFRC’s work in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene.

Statement: In response to the Belarus Red Cross Secretary General’s visit to Luhansk and Donetsk and his statements to the media

English The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has learned from the media that the Secretary General of the Belarus Red Cross recently visited Luhansk and Donetsk. We were not made aware of the visit, nor were we involved in any of the activities, including with children. Actions by any of our member national Red Cross or Red Crescent Societies in contradiction with our humanitarian mission, Fundamental Principles and policies are taken extremely seriously by IFRC. The IFRC has therefore referred this case to the Compliance and Mediation Committee, which, under our constitution, is an independent body investigating and addressing alleged breaches of integrity. The extraordinary circumstances of this visit, including the use of a symbol associated with one of the parties to the international armed conflict in Ukraine, implicate the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The visit and the activities associated with it were not coordinated with the other components of the Movement, as required by our internal rules and regulations. These actions risk damaging the trust of our work in supporting communities in need, whoever they are and whichever side of the frontlines they are on. It is essential that all components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement maintain their independence from governments and weapon bearers. We have contacted the Belarus Red Cross to express our grave concern and to stop any similar activity in the future. It is important to note that the Secretary General of the Belarus Red Cross does not speak on behalf of the IFRC or any other component of the Movement, and his statements do not represent our views. All National Society members of the IFRC are bound by the Fundamental Principles of the Movement, our internal Regulations and policies including the IFRC Protection, Gender, and Inclusion Policy – in which they commit to ensure safeguarding of children. -- Amendment on 21 July 2023 in reaction to coverage of comments made by the Secretary General of Belarus Red Cross on nuclear weapons: Nuclear weapons have catastrophic humanitarian consequences.No nation is prepared to deal with a nuclear confrontation. Their use under any circumstances would be unacceptable in humanitarian, moral and legal terms. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is advocating with governments and the public to reflect in depth on the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons and the need for a legally binding commitment to prohibit their use and, in the long term, eliminate them. -- Belarusian Заява ў адказ на візіт Генеральнага сакратара Беларускага Чырвонага Крыжа ў Луганск, Данецк і наваколлі і яго заявы ў СМІ Міжнародная Федэрацыя таварыстваў Чырвонага Крыжа і Чырвонага Паўмесяца (МФТЧКіЧП) даведалася са сродкаў масавай інфармацыі, што Генеральны сакратар Беларускага Чырвонага Крыжа нядаўна наведаў Луганск, Данецк і наваколлі. Мы не былі асвядомлены пра гэты візіт і не ўдзельнічалі ні ў якіх мерапрыемствах, у тым ліку з дзецьмi. МФТЧКіЧП надзвычай сур'ёзна ставiцца да дзеянняў любых нашых чальцоў, нацыянальных таварыстваў Чырвонага Крыжа і Чырвонага Паўмесяца, якія супярэчаць гуманітарнай місіі, Асноўным прынцыпам і палітыкам арганізацыі. Таму МФТЧКіЧП перадала дадзеную справу ў Камітэт па выкананні прававых нормаў і пасярэдніцтве МФТЧКіЧП, які, паводле нашай Канстытуцыі, з'яўляецца незалежным органам, што расследуе і разглядае меркаваныя выпадкі парушэння добрасумленнасці. Надзвычайныя абставіны гэтага візіту, уключаючы выкарыстанне сімвала, які асацыюецца з адным з бакоў міжнароднага ўзброенага канфлікту на тэрыторыі Украіны, кампраметуюць Асноўныя прынцыпы Міжнароднага руху Чырвонага Крыжа і Чырвонага Паўмесяца. Дадзены візіт і звязаныя з ім мерапрыемствы не былі скаардынаваны з іншымі кампанентамі Руху, як таго патрабуюць нашы ўнутраныя правілы і палажэнні. Такія дзеянні могуць падарваць давер да нашай працы па падтрымцы супольнасцяў, што маюць такую патрэбу, кім бы яны ні былі і па які бок фронту яны б ні знаходзіліся. Вельмі важна, каб усе кампаненты Міжнароднага руху Чырвонага Крыжа і Чырвонага Паўмесяца захоўвалі сваю незалежнасць ад дзяржаўных уладаў і носьбітаў зброі. Мы звязаліся з Беларускім Чырвоным Крыжам, каб выказаць сур'ёзную заклапочанасць і прадухіліць любую падобную дзейнасць у будучыні. Важна адзначыць, што Генеральны сакратар Беларускага Чырвонага Крыжа не выступае ад імя МФТЧКіЧП і яго заявы не адлюстроўваюць наш пункт гледжання. Усе нацыянальныя таварыствы – чальцы МФТЧКіЧП абавязаны выконваць Асноўныя прынцыпы Руху, нашы ўнутраныя правілы і палітыкі, уключаючы палітыку МФТЧКіЧП у галiне абароны, гендэрных пытанняў і інклюзіўнасці, у адпаведнасці з якой яны абавязваюцца забяспечваць абарону дзяцей. -- Заява дапоўнена 21 ліпеня 2023 года пасля каментарыяў Генеральнага сакратара Беларускага Чырвонага Крыжа адносна ядзернай зброі: Гуманітарныя наступствы ўжывання ядзернай зброі будуць катастрафічнымі. Ніводная нацыя не справіцца з імі ў выпадку ядзернай канфрантацыі. Выкарыстанне гэтай зброі ні пры якіх абставінах недапушчальна – ні з гуманітарнага, ні з маральнага, ні з прававога пункту гледжання. Міжнародны рух Чырвонага Крыжа і Чырвонага Паўмесяца заклікае дзяржавы і грамадскасць глыбока задумацца аб гуманітарных наступствах ужывання ядзернай зброі і аб неабходнасці ўзяць на сябе юрыдычныя абавязкі па забароне яго выкарыстання, а ў далейшым і па яго знішчэнні. -- Ukrainian Заява у відповідь на візит Генерального секретаря Білоруського Червоного Хреста у Луганськ і Донецьк та його заяви засобам масової інформації Міжнародна Федерація Товариств Червоного Хреста і Червоного Півмісяця дізналася з засобів масової інформації, що Генеральний секретар Білоруського Червоного Хреста нещодавно відвідав Луганськ і Донецьк. Ми не були проінформовані про цей візит і не брали участі у пов‘язаній з ним діяльності, в тому числі у діяльності, що стосується дітей. МФТЧХ і ЧП ставиться надзвичайно серйозно до дій будь-якого з членських Національних Товариств Червоного Хреста або Червоного Півмісяця, що суперечать нашій гуманітарній місії, Фундаментальним принципам та правилам. Відтак, МФТЧХ і ЧП передала цей випадок на розгляд Комітету з Відповідності та Посередництва, який, згідно із нашим статутом, є незалежним органом, що розслідує і розглядає питання порушення добросовісності. Надзвичайні обставини цього візиту, зокрема, використання символу, пов'язаного з однією зі сторін міжнародного збройного конфлікту в Україні, зачіпають Фундаментальні принципи Міжнародного руху Червоного Хреста та Червоного Півмісяця. Візит та пов'язані з ним дії не було узгоджено з іншими компонентами Руху, як того вимагають наші внутрішні правила та регламенти. Ці дії можуть загрожувати довірі до нашої роботи спрямованої на підтримку людей, які потребують допомоги, ким би вони не були і з якої б сторони лінії фронту не перебували. Надзвичайно важливо щоб всі компоненти Міжнародного руху Червоного Хреста та Червоного Півмісяця зберігали незалежність від урядів та збройних формувань. Ми зв'язалися з Білоруським Червоним Хрестом, щоб висловити наше серйозне занепокоєння та закликати припинити будь-яку подібну діяльність у майбутньому. Важливо відзначити, що Генеральний секретар Білоруського Червоного Хреста не виступає від імені МФТЧХ і ЧП або будь-якого іншого компоненту Руху, і його заяви не відображають нашої позиції. Усі Національні Товариства-члени МФТЧХ і ЧП зобов'язані дотримуватися Фундаментальних принципів Руху, наших внутрішніх регламентів та правил, зокрема Політики з Питань Захисту, Гендерної Рівності та Інклюзії МФТЧХ і ЧП, які зобов'язують їх забезпечувати захист дітей. -- Заяву доповнено 21 липня 2023 року, після коментарів Генерального секретаря Білоруського Червоного Хреста щодо ядерної зброї: Використання ядерної зброї має катастрофічні гуманітарні наслідки. Жодна нація не впорається з ними у випадку ядерної конфронтації. Використання такої зброї у будь-яких обставинах є неприйнятним з гуманітарної, моральної і правової точок зору. Міжнародний рух Червоного Хреста і Червоного Півмісяця закликає уряди та громадськість глибоко замислитися про гуманітарні наслідки використання ядерної зброї та необхідність взяти на себе правові зобов'язання щодо заборони використання і, пізніше, щодо ліквідації таких озброєнь. -- Russian Заявлениев ответ на визит Генерального секретаря Белорусского Красного Креста в Луганск, Донецк и окрестности и его заявления в СМИ Международная Федерация обществ Красного Креста и Красного Полумесяца (МФОККиКП) узнала из средств массовой информации, что Генеральный секретарь Белорусского Красного Креста недавно посетил Луганск, Донецк и окрестности.Мы не были осведомлены об этом визите и не участвовали ни в каких мероприятиях, в том числе с детьми. МФОККиКП крайне серьезно подходит к действиямлюбых наших членов, национальных обществ Красного Креста и Красного Полумесяца, противоречащим гуманитарной миссии, Основополагающим принципам и политикам организации. Поэтому МФОККиКП передала данный вопрос в Комитет по соблюдению правовых норм и посредничеству МФОККиКП, который, согласно нашей Конституции, является независимым органом, расследующим и рассматривающим предполагаемые случаи нарушения добросовестности. Чрезвычайные обстоятельства данного визита, включая использование символа, ассоциирующегося с одной из сторон международного вооруженного конфликта на территории Украины, компрометируют Основополагающие принципы Международного движения Красного Креста и Красного Полумесяца. Данный визит и связанные с ним мероприятия не были скоординированы с другими компонентами Движения, как того требуют наши внутренние правила и положения. Такие действия могут подорвать доверие к нашей работе по поддержке нуждающихся сообществ, кем бы они ни были и по какую бы сторону линии фронта они ни находились. Крайне важно, чтобы все компоненты Международного движения Красного Креста и Красного Полумесяца сохраняли свою независимость от государственных властей и носителей оружия. Мы связались с Белорусским Красным Крестом, чтобы выразить серьезную озабоченность и предотвратить любую подобную деятельность в будущем. Важно отметить, что Генеральный секретарь Белорусского Красного Креста не выступает от имени МФОККиКП и его заявления не отражают нашу точку зрения. Все национальные общества - члены МФОККиКП обязаны соблюдать Основополагающие принципы Движения, наши внутренние правила и политики, включая Политику МФОККиКП по защите, гендерным вопросам и инклюзивности, в соответствии с которой они обязуются обеспечивать защиту детей. -- Заявление дополнено 21 июля 2023 года после комментариев, сделанных Генеральным секретарем Белорусского Красного Креста относительно ядерного оружия: Гуманитарные последствия применения ядерного оружия будут катастрофическими. Ни одна нация не справится с ними в случае ядерной конфронтации. Использование этого оружия при каких бы то ни было обстоятельствах недопустимо - ни с гуманитарной, ни с нравственной, ни с правовой точки зрения. Международное движение Красного Креста и Красного Полумесяца призывает государства и общественность задуматься о гуманитарных последствиях применения ядерного оружия и необходимости взять на себя юридические обязательства по запрету на его использование, а в дальнейшем и по его уничтожению. --

Red Cross ramps up efforts as water-borne diseases threaten south of Ukraine

Kiev / Ukraine, 27 June 2023 – Water-borne diseases are a growing threat for people affected by flooding from the Nova Kakhovka Dam collapse earlier this month. This threat poses a significant challenge in an already complex and volatile situation. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) network with the Ukrainian Red Cross Society continue to scale up to help tackle the new risk. Since day one, the Ukrainian Red Cross mobilised in the Kherson region to help affected communities. Despite being under fire, teams continued to help people evacuate safely and provide first aid along with other relief items. Oleksandr Babenko, Head of the Ukraine Red Cross Health department says: “From the early hours of the emergency situation, the Ukraine Red Cross is responding to the humanitarian challenges to assist the affected population. We are closely cooperating with local authorities to provide timely and effective support. We pay particular attention to informing people about preventing the spread of infectious diseases, especially through drinking water, in the territories of the Kherson, Zaporizhia, Odesa, Dnipropetrovsk, and Mykolaiv regions.” The Ukraine Red Cross with the IFRC network are helping communities access a reliable clean water supply and adequate hygiene and sanitation. Red Cross teams continue to provide affected communities with relief items as well as mental health and psychosocial support. “Ensuring access to clean water is now a critical priority in a region that is already facing so many challenges. Time is of the essence to get ahead of the spread of diseases so we all have to work together,” says Jaime Wah, IFRC Health Coordinator. “No one can do this alone. On top of financial and technical support provided to Ukraine Red Cross already, we are ramping up resources so we can offer access to clean water and provide for the needs moving forward in recovery.” For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected]

Nova Kakhovka dam collapse, Ukraine: How we're supporting people affected by flooding

The collapse of the Nova Kakhovka Dam in southern Ukraine on June 6 has resulted in a devastating flood, impacting numerous communities. People have already suffered the devastating impacts of the conflict and are now displaced from their homes; many have lost their houses and belongings with the flood waters. The health risks for affected people could increase in the coming weeks and there is a need for clean drinking water. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) network is working alongside the Ukrainian Red Cross Society to provide vital assistance to people who have been affected. Addressing immediate humanitarian needs Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the IFRC, together with its membership, is actively supporting the Ukrainian Red Cross Society in their response efforts. This includes operational, technical, and financial assistance to bolster its local capacity to deliver aid, distribute relief items, provide health support, promote good sanitation and hygiene practices, and address the immediate needs of the affected population. Long-term recovery and rehabilitation In addition to immediate relief efforts, the IFRC network remains committed to supporting communities affected by the flooding in their long-term recovery and rehabilitation. This includes facilitating projects to restore people’s livelihoods, provide psychosocial support, and rehabilitate damaged infrastructure to help communities rebuild their lives. In the aftermath of the Nova Kakhovka Dam collapse, the IFRC network and Ukrainian Red Cross Society stand united in providing unwavering support to affected communities. Since February 2022, the IFRC has scaled up its response with the Ukrainian Red Cross, together with National Societies from around the world. Together, we provide urgent humanitarian assistance to people in Ukraine and those who have been forced to flee to other countries. Together, we are working tirelessly to address immediate needs, offer hope, and pave the way for long-term recovery. With the power of compassion and solidarity, we are committed to rebuilding lives and restoring resilience in the face of this devastating event. -- Click here for more information about our work supporting people in Ukraine.

Addressing the needs of people affected by the conflict in Ukraine

This week, it will be 11,000 hours since the conflict in Ukraine escalated. For the people affected, those are 11,000 hours of fear, worry, and uncertainty: how to keep your family safe, if you can get help from a doctor, if you can pay the rent, or what tomorrow will bring. More than one year in, millions of people are still directly affected by the conflict, inside and outside Ukraine. And hour by hour, their needs are growing and changing. To continue responding to these needs, the IFRC is calling on significant new investment to ensure we can address this. Now is not the time to scale back. Many people inside Ukraine have limited access to the most basic of needs, such as water, energy, and medical care. Every day, they face uncertainty: When can I go home? Will we be able to pay the rent this month? Where can we go if one of us gets sick? And then there are the millions of people staying outside of the country, throughout Europe. Every day, they are also living in uncertainty. They are staying in a country where they might not speak the language, not knowing what the future holds, worried about loved ones at home. To ensure we provide the right support, we are constantly monitoring what the needs are. Today, I want to share our most recent and worrying findings. People displaced inside Ukraine are struggling with the lack of income and increased stress levels. We have seen deteriorating mental health conditions during our psychosocial support activities. Many people outside of Ukraine are struggling financially. They have used up all their savings, a lot of them now have mounting debts. In many countries, The IFRC network is providing cash assistance to people in need. Many people use this for food and rent. 41% of the people receiving this support depend on us to cover their basic needs. But of course, this is not a long term, sustainable solution. This is why we are helping people connect to services in country. The language barrier makes it hard for people to participate in daily life. It can make it harder to go to school, get a job and access healthcare. Yesterday, I came back from Moldova – there I saw what we see in many countries: this conflict has taken an immense toll on people's mental health. Families are broken and people worry and suffer from trauma, which makes psychosocial support vital. Since the beginning of the conflict, the IFRC network has been supporting millions of people suffering from the consequences of the international armed conflict in more than 54 countries. For example, we have reached almost 17 million people with relief items for basic needs, such as food, water and blankets. We have also been supporting millions of people with shelter, medical support, and mental health support. And we are providing cash assistance for people both inside and outside of Ukraine, to empower people to buy what they need. The IFRC has extended its humanitarian aid operation until at least the end of 2025 and expanded our emergency appeal for Ukraine and surrounding countries to include 18 countries on the European continent. To make sure we can continue to support those in need, we have revised our Emergency Appeal from 550 million Swiss francs to 800 million Swiss francs. Regrettably, every hour, we continue to see people suffering from the conflict. As the Red Cross and Red Crescent network, we will continue to support them. Within Ukraine, and many countries in Europe. We hope you will be with us, as we cannot do it alone.