Words by Smiley Team
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss announced on 5 May that a package of UK support will reach the most vulnerable people in Ukraine.
£45 million is being donated to United Nations (UN) agencies working in Ukraine and its borders to supply care and protection to people fleeing the conflict.
Women and children are particularly vulnerable to harm - £15 million will go to UNICEF, the UN’s children’s agency and help fund vital services such as mental health support for children, nutrition for pregnant women and clean water.
UNICEF has also worked with governments of neighbouring countries and the UNHCR to create Blue Dot safe spaces for women and children. These safe spaces provide water and sanitation supplies, and help to identify and protect lost, unaccompanied and separated children.
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Another £15 million will go to the UN Ukraine Humanitarian Fund (UHF) to help combat gender-based and sexual violence. It will provide legal support and crisis accommodation for women and children who face violence and abuse.
“British aid is supporting the most vulnerable in Ukraine, particularly women and children, who are facing increased risk of sexual violence and exploitation”, said Liz Truss.
Almost 16 million people are reportedly in need of humanitarian assistance in Ukraine and over 5 million refugees have fled to other European countries since the war began.
The UK will also provide further medical supplies, including wound care packs to treat over 220,000 patients and 380,000 packs of medicine.
“The war in Ukraine has caused immense human suffering and as always, the highest price is paid by civilians,” said Martin Griffiths, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator.
“This generous contribution from the United Kingdom will enable the UN’s Ukraine Humanitarian Fund (UHF) to scale up the delivery of fast, effective and lifesaving aid to people who are caught up in this unfolding nightmare.”
DONATE: You can donate to UNICEF to help families in Ukraine. You can also support the UN Foundation – find out more.
