Sweden’s support provides a lifeline to people fleeing and displaced in Ukraine – UNHCR Northern Europe
More than 2 million people have now fled Ukraine to neighboring countries. Inside Ukraine, the UNHCR estimates that some 1.8 million people have been displaced so far. The humanitarian needs are enormous and increasing rapidly.
UNHCR is strengthening the response, in Ukraine and in neighboring countries, and UNHCR staff work around the clock to respond as quickly as possible to urgent needs.
“Thanks to Sweden’s flexible funding, UNHCR has been able to quickly adapt its operations in Ukraine and scale up to respond to this devastating humanitarian situation. That is why Sweden’s unmarked support is invaluable “, says Karolina Lindholm Billing, UNHCR’s representative in Ukraine.
The Ukraine crisis is the fastest growing refugee situation in Europe since World War II, and without peace and an immediate end to the conflict, humanitarian needs will only increase.
“The situation in the country is difficult. Hundreds of thousands of people have been forced out of their homes and are on their way into the country. Some people have been stuck in shelters or bunkers for days, unable to leave due to ongoing fighting,” describes Karolina Lindholm Billing and continues: “People in Ukraine need food, blankets, medicines, roofs and warm clothes. But above all, they need peace.”
UNHCR is located in Ukraine and neighboring countries, provides humanitarian aid and protection to people in need and supports national authorities in the countries, receiving refugees from Ukraine.
Although security and humanitarian access are major challenges, UNHCR continues to work in Ukraine with partners to distribute nuclear aid particles and food to people who have been forced to flee, set up hotspots at the border and provide information and legal advice through various channels. UNHCR also identifies important protection risks and needs of individuals and families – the majority of women and children – and provides basic and cash assistance to the most vulnerable.
Last week, a convoy of eight trucks with humanitarian aid delivered blankets, kitchen sets and jerry cans to Vinnytsia. Additional convoys are ready to be sent to other areas in need, as soon as the situation allows.
The UN estimates that 12 million people in Ukraine will need help and protection, while more than 4 million refugees from Ukraine may need protection and assistance in neighboring countries in the coming weeks and months.
Sweden as a donor
Sweden is one of the UNHCR’s largest donors, and the largest donor of unallocated support to the agency.
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