In response to the United Nations’ emergency appeal to protect and assist refugees from Ukraine, the Primat Foundation has made a donation to support the humanitarian response of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
The UNHCR estimates that up to 4 million refugees may flee Ukraine in the coming weeks. If a ceasefire is not reached soon, the current exodus is estimated to reach 7 to 14 million refugees and internally displaced persons, mainly women, children and the elderly.
UNHCR is present in Belarus, Hungary (multi-country office), Poland and Romania. Slovakia and Moldova are covered by the Hungary cluster office. Additional staff are being deployed to strengthen the various country offices.
1. UNHCR’s role is to ensure humanitarian coordination and to develop the regional refugee response plan (RRP), with the participation of its partners such as UNDP, WHO, Save the Children, HelpAge International, INTERSOS, Project Hope, UNFPA, NCRC, UNICEF, WFP and IOM. UNHCR’s coordination role includes the provision of technical support to the authorities, as well as several emergency missions and deployments to Moldova, Poland and Romania.
2. In coordination with national authorities, UNHCR ensures the protection of refugees. It is building capacity to receive and register new arrivals to quickly identify the most vulnerable and those with specific needs.
Capacity-building activities will also be expanded, including support for the provision of essential services (medical, psychosocial, legal), strengthening national child protection systems, and addressing the individual situations of refugees.
3. Shelter and basic necessities: UNHCR will provide emergency shelter solutions where necessary, and will work with the authorities to set up temporary reception and transit structures.
Essential items have been pre-positioned in the countries concerned and are being distributed and flown in to meet the needs of the new arrivals. This includes thermal blankets and other essential items. UNHCR will also provide unrestricted cash assistance, especially for the most vulnerable people, to cover their basic needs.
