Dear Supporter, We are currently facing an unprecedented number of humanitarian crises around the world, including the war in Ukraine, which has displaced more than 14 million people. Sadly, vulnerable children are among those who have had to flee for their lives. Vlad and his mother, Yulia, fled their home in Kryvyi Rih to the constant wail of anti-missile sirens. They carried just one bag between them when they boarded a crowded train to Poland. Daria woke to the sound of bombs falling near her home in Odesa. Her mother tried covering her with mattresses and pillows, but the shelling was so intense they had to flee to Moldova the next day. Baby Emilia won’t remember the war, but her mother, Anastasia, will tell her about how they had to leave Emilia’s father behind in Kherson and seek temporary protection in Bulgaria. The war in Ukraine has exposed children not only to life-threatening violence but also heightened risk of exploitation and abuse. Can you give a tax-deductible gift by 30 June to help protect refugee children?
UNHCR is in Ukraine, delivering aid to thousands of people living dangerously close to the frontline. We are identifying vulnerable children at border crossings and transit points, reuniting separated children with their families, finding safe accommodation, and providing cash assistance and psychosocial support. We are also operating 37 Blue Dot hubs, which provide specialised support for children, such as supervised play, counselling and referrals to social services. Please donate by 30 June to help us provide emergency support for children and other vulnerable refugees.
Vlad, Daria and Emilia have all found safety in neighbouring countries. However, life has changed overnight. At 15, Daria is old enough to understand that this experience will shape the rest of her life:
“I never imagined I would experience war and find myself in this situation. For me, being a refugee means having problems finding food, a place to stay and clothes. It also means having psychological problems…My advice to children in other countries is to appreciate the time they have now, the quiet and the peace they live in, and the joy of their family and friends.”
Thank you for supporting the people of Ukraine. Your gifts will ensure that people displaced by this terrible war receive the support they so urgently need. Yours sincerely,
Naomi Steer National Director
P.S. Thank you to our generous donors who gave so generously to help survivors of the earthquake that struck south-east Afghanistan last week – your gifts have helped us send emergency supplies such as tents, blankets and solar lamps to affected communities. P.P.S. Tomorrow is the last day to send safe shelter, cash assistance, emergency supplies and counselling to refugees before the end of the tax year.
