Approximately 14.6 million people need humanitarian assistance says UNHCR

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in Ukraine* are still working to support those who have fled for safety two years after Russia invaded the country. UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency, has reported that more than 6.5 million people have fled since the start of the war and there were 3.7 million people displaced within the country. It is estimated that some 14.6 million people need humanitarian assistance in order to survive.

Further, according to the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, there have been more than 10,500 civilian deaths, including nearly 600 children, and approximately 20,000 people injured. These figures do not include the soldiers killed and injured on both sides.

One of the people who sought help from the Salesians is Alina, who fled with her three children in the early hours of Feb. 24, 2022 from Zuivka, in eastern Ukraine. “It took us a day and a half to get to Kyiv and for months we lived with some relatives,” recalled Alina.

Nine months ago they moved and settled in Mariapolis, the Salesian city of prefabricated modules built in Lviv. The city hosts almost a 1,000 people in small homes. The war is also felt in this part of western Ukraine. Alina said, “There are frequent power blackouts to save electricity or due to anti-missile alarms.”

For those living at Mariapolis, Salesians work to instill hope and provide food, fuel for kitchens, appliances, and logistical support. Another project ensures that people are prepared for the cold winter months and that children can still access their education. Salesians have also constructed safe shelters and educational centers.

Salesians will continue to offer help, aid and support to those who have been impacted by the war both inside Ukraine and in neighboring countries where people are living as refugees. Projects include those focused on offering basic necessities, housing, education, health and psychosocial assistance, and the transfer of the elderly to safer areas.

Father Mykhaylo Chaban, Salesian superior of the Mary Help of Christians Vice-Province in Ukraine, said, “We will continue to be at the side of the population, trying to help and accompany them in everything they need. Thanks to the solidarity of the Salesian Family from all over the world, we have been facing the emergency for two years. We only hope that the people who help us do not get tired of doing so or forget about us because we still need help and, above all, we want peace to come.”

###

Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) 

ANS – Ukraine – The appeal of the Ukrainian Salesians after two years of war: “Do not forget about us”

Salesian Missions

UNHCR – Ukraine Statistics

*Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control.