Ukrainian civilians are disproportionately shouldering the devastating consequences of the war. Two years of full-scale invasion have displaced almost 10 million Ukrainians and left approximately one-third of the population in need of humanitarian support inside the country. Many families have been displaced several times over.
Some 14.6 million Ukrainians will need humanitarian assistance in 2024, including the 3.7 million people who are internally displaced.
About one third of the population — including 1.5 million children — are grappling with mental health issues, suffering from conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The ravages of war have shattered support networks, leaving a staggering impact.
Despite finding safety in Europe, 6 million Ukrainian refugees still encounter obstacles in accessing crucial services and supporting their families. Only 40-60% of Ukrainian refugees are employed, often stuck in low-skilled positions that fail to match their qualifications. Meanwhile, a growing number find themselves in a vulnerable state, lacking the means to sustain themselves.
They also face significant barriers to education; during the 2022-2023 academic year, almost half of Ukrainian school-aged refugees remained outside of the education system of their host countries. A multitude of factors contribute to the low enrollment rates, including administrative, linguistic, and legal obstacles. Additionally, limited awareness of available options and parental reluctance to enroll their children in host country schools, due to their intention of returning to Ukraine, further exacerbate the issue.
Education is a fundamental right under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights..
The strong initial response to the Ukraine crisis has helped prevent even worse outcomes. However, the funding for Ukraine’s humanitarian response witnessed a decline from meeting 87% of the requirements in 2022 to 61.8% in 2023.
Nearly two years since the Russian invasion, and a decade into conflict, it is critical to continue supporting people affected by the war, both those within Ukraine and those who have fled to neighboring countries.
Donate today to support the International Help Center Foundation delivery of critical humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and in more than 50 countries worldwide.
