February 8, 2023
News
On the 24th of February, we will mark the sad anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Ever since then, the war has displaced more than 15 million people from their homes. Caritas Czech Republic has been helping from the very beginning. Initially, we focused on the most urgent needs, such as delivering humanitarian aid and helping refugees. Thanks to the generosity of our donors who have contributed to the Caritas for Ukraine collection, we can help war-affected people.
Immediate assistance at the borders
Immediately after the Russian invasion began, hundreds of thousands of people began fleeing across the border. The first people to leave Ukraine were mainly mothers with children and the elderly, who often travelled across the shelled Ukraine for days in crowded trains and buses. Caritas network provided refugees with hot tea, snacks and heated tents where they could stay warm during the cold days. Caritas was able to respond immediately thanks to its many branches, and we were one of the first organisations to help in this way. Our colleagues from Caritas Czech Republic in Moldova also assisted at the border. In total, they distributed 7,000 first aid and hygiene kits.
We have been sending shipments of humanitarian aid to the most affected areas
The invasion of Ukraine has brought the need to provide humanitarian aid to millions of people. Due to high inflation and shortages of goods in the shops, people in Ukraine were not able to cover their basic needs. Moreover, massive attacks on critical infrastructure have caused and continue to cause power, gas, heat and water cuts.
Thanks to the Caritas for Ukraine collection, we started sending trucks and a train of humanitarian aid immediately after the Russian invasion began. This included not only non-perishable food and hygiene items but also medical supplies and medicines. Our aid also included backup electricity generators. One of the power stations was so huge that it was able to provide electricity for an entire hospital. The supplies went mainly to the most affected areas in the east of Ukraine, but also to the western regions, where a large number of people from the eastern and central parts of the country were forced to flee.
In Moldova, we equipped refugee centres. We also continue to provide cash support to refugees and improve access to healthcare for them.
Nearly 700,000 refugees have headed to Moldova since the war started. For most of them, it has been a transit country, but more than 100 000 of them continue to stay in the country because they do not want to be too far from Ukraine. This was a big challenge for Europe’s poorest country. Caritas Czech Republic in Moldova has equipped 12 accommodation centres for refugees. To ensure that people fleeing the war have decent living conditions, we provided the centres with necessities such as beds, blankets, washing machines and fridges.
We continue to help war-affected people in Moldova thanks to financial support from the European Directorate General for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO). We provide immediate cash support to refugees, especially vulnerable groups such as single mothers and the elderly. It enables people to cover basic needs, like food, hygiene products, medicines or clothing. At the same time, we ensure that refugees have access to healthcare services. This includes psychological care to help Ukrainians cope with the trauma of war. In total, we have supported 15,000 refugees in Moldova.
In Ukraine, we provide decent living conditions for people and improve their access to healthcare
Up to 7 million people have fled across the border, with another 8 million taking refuge in mainly western regions of Ukraine. Some have already returned, but up to 5.9 million people remain outside their homes within Ukraine. The western parts of the country, which host the most people, were not prepared for such a situation. A large number of displaced people still live in gymnasiums, hostels or former department stores that are not adapted for long-term and decent housing.
Caritas Czech Republic has built modular houses in western Ukraine for vulnerable groups such as single mothers and the elderly. We also built 12 houses in the village of Serednie for orphaned children from Mariupol who lost their parents in the war. In total, we built 33 houses that will accommodate 120 people. At the same time, we are reconstructing old buildings so that other people who have found refuge in the west of the country can move into them.
Most people left their homes in a hurry with only one luggage. Moreover, many Ukrainians have lost the ability to provide for themselves and their families. For the most vulnerable people, we provide immediate financial support to help them provide for their basic needs. So far, we have helped 3,600 people in this way.
We are also improving access to health services for Ukrainians who fled the war to the Lviv region and Transcarpathia. We have provided the necessary material and equipment for two ambulances to Drohobych health centre. Psychological care is also part of our assistance. Caritas Czech Republic has trained more than 60 psychologists and social workers who have provided crisis assistance to more than 2,000 people fleeing the war.
We also help Ukrainians in the Czech Republic
Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, more than 480 000 refugees have found refuge in a safe haven in the Czech Republic. Caritas network helps people fleeing the war to provide the basic needs:
- 146,000 people have received food packages
- 80,000 refugees received clothing and household items
- 75,000 people received hygiene supplies
Caritas Czech Republic also helps refugees with integration. We run an assistance hotline in the Ukrainian language and organise language courses. Thanks to these activities, refugees can better navigate themselves and it is easier to adapt to a new environment. At the same time, we provide interpreting services for refugees from Ukraine in the Czech Republic and help them find accommodation, work or a place in school or kindergarten. Our colleagues from Young Caritas also established an adaptation group for Ukrainian children. In total, Caritas Czech Republic has helped more than 135,000 refugees with integration and interpretation to date.
Thanks to the generosity of donors, we have raised more than 160 million CZK through Caritas for Ukraine collection. Thank you for helping with us!
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