RESPONSE FROM FEBRUARY 24, 2022
PHOTO: ANTTI YRJÖNEN / FCA
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ForewordbyGeneral SecretaryRudelmar BuenodeFaria
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ACT member organisations implementing aid in Ukraine
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Stories of displaced Ukrainians - a year after the invasion
Help in numbers: Infographics
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ACT Alliance mission
The Total Ukraine Response by ACT ALLIANCE
ACT Alliance members have been working in Ukraine for many years, in communities with faith-based and secular local organisations to support vulnerable populations impacted by conflict.
Since February 2022, it is estimated that over 13 7 million people have fled their homes in Ukraine Thousands of civilians have been killed and injured, many more have experienced traumatic events and need urgent protection
Critical infrastructure including hospitals, schools and power facilities have been damaged or destroyed
ACT Alliance members have been responding to this massive increase in humanitarian needs, rapidly mobilising staff and financial resources in a multi-country response Working both inside Ukraine and in neighbouring countries including Poland, Hungary, Romania and Moldova, over the past twelve months, ACT members have reached 2 98 milion people with essential multi-sectoral humanitarian assistance
Assistance provided has included food and nonfood items, shelter, cash and voucher
assistance, healthcare including mental health support, and water and sanitation services
To date, ACT members have mobilised over US$ 22 9 million through the appeal UKR221, making it the largest appeal in the history of ACT Alliance ACT members have also worked bilaterally through their own partnerships and programmes to mobilise tens of millions more in humanitarian aid as the Total ACT Response
This digital booklet takes stock of the significant scale of the ACT Alliance response It sets out the achievements of ACT members in supporting people impacted by the armed conflict in Ukraine whilst also acknowledging the serious challenges ahead With extremely high levels of humanitarian need and no clear sign of an end to hostilities, ACT Alliance remains committed to the delivery of quality humanitarian assistance in response to this devastating crisis
Total ACT Response in Ukraine and neighbouring countries, involved 40 members working together and in partnership with local organisations.
The ACT members listed at the bottom of the page implemented the UKR221 appeal in Ukraine, Hungary, Moldova, Poland, and Romania.
ACT ALLIANCE PROVIDED HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE THROUGH ITS MEMBERS, THEIR LOCAL PARTNERS AND LOCAL CHURCHES IN THE FORM OF FOOD, WATER AND SANITATION SERVICES, SHELTER, NON-FOOD ITEM DISTRIBUTION, MULTIPURPOSE CASH ASSISTANCE, MENTAL HEALTH AND PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT, EDUCATION, LEGAL SUPPORT AND PROTECTION.
One year ago, Dima had just turned 18 and was preparing for a long career in football, playing regularly for the under-19 side of Mariupol FC, his hometown’s football club His days were dominated by studying, practicing, playing football, and spending time with his girlfriend Anna. But his plans, and those of so many others, were shattered by the onset of war
Dima remembers it like it was yesterday “It was 5 in the morning, I was still asleep – then I got a phone call, two actually First, my girlfriend Anna called me, then my father’s girlfriend They said that the Russians have started bombing Ukraine ”
Even though they acted quickly, it was too late to leave Mariupol “It was difficult to leave the city because the battle for Mariupol was raging on the outskirts of the town At first, we were afraid to leave When a Russian shell hit the house next door, we took shelter in the basement. We stayed down there for a week Then a missile hit our house and smoke filled the basement so we had to flee, fearing for our lives, shells falling all around It was the worst day of my life, so I decided to leave no matter what."
Dima had a new plan: survival and getting out of the war zone Dima and Anna fled for Donetsk, and from there, they embarked on a dangerous journey across Russia toward their final destination: Budapest
They chose Budapest after a Russian vlogger put them in touch with András from ACT member Hungarian Interchurch Aid “I called András and asked him if we came to Budapest would there be something waiting for us there He assured me that we would be getting support from HIA And so it was – I ended up staying with HIA from April to July. During that time I even started working nightshifts in a warehouse ”
As he settled in Budapest, his old dream of playing “the beautiful game ” resurfaced “For months I didn't train, I didn't play, I almost made up my mind that my greatest dream had been taken away from me by the war Then, overnight, everything got better, and now I can do my bit to make my dream come true again ”
Today, he lives in Székesfehérvár, a smaller town some 60 kilometres from Budapest, and chases the old dream again "HIA found a football club that was ready to take me on The club’s management was very understanding This is how I ended up in MOL Fehérvár FC "
Many thoughts still trouble Dima as the fighting continues into a second year "It was clear from the start that the war would last This is extremely difficult for all Ukrainians I also understand how horrible it is on the front line, and how many of our guys are dying there. Also, it is particularly difficult for peaceful civilians – I remember what it was like in Mariupol I hope that with God’s help, the war will end by summer and that we will live in a free country, without war and free from occupation."
Hungarian Interchurch Aid (HIA), founded in 1991, is one of the largest internationally recognized aid organisations in Hungary. The founding churches grew into a community of professionals, volunteers, donors, and responsible corporate partners to help the needy and people in distress in Hungary, Iraq, Ethiopia, and Ukraine as well as more than 40 other countries Before the 2022 Russian invasion, HIA's humanitarian and development work had already benefited over half a million people in Ukraine
HIA in Ukraine:
Since February 2022, HIA has doubled its efforts to help those in need – both in Hungary and Ukraine From tangible, in-kind food aid to cash assistance, community-based relief and psychosocial help, HIA’s response to this crisis is multisectoral and flexible. In the first year of the conflict, HIA delivered and distributed over 1500 metric tons of humanitarian aid in Ukraine, often in hard-to-reach areas Its humanitarian operations encompass 20 regions of Ukraine, from westernmost Zakarpattia to Kharkiv in the East and Kherson in the South
LINA
Safety seems to be the most precious gift Lina found in Poland and the language barrier is the biggest challenge for refugees trying to be active in pursuing jobs and securing financial stability Lina feels satisfied in Poland where her host family helped her get a job With her medical training, she now works as a consultant in psychotherapy at the LWF community centre in Gdansk She is convinced psychological support helps to ease integration into the new environment and navigate new challenges while facing the loss of home, income, and related self-esteem issues Lina believes the work potential of Ukrainians with professional education should not be wasted
“Working at the LWF centre gave me hope for the future I never dreamed that one day I would work for a humanitarian organisation In a job like this, you need to find a balance On the one hand, you must be empathetic to the needs of others, and on the other hand, you must not allow yourself to let all these emotions penetrate deeply into you ”
Fleeing Odesa on March 6, 2022, to save her children, leaving her home, and her job. That was the fate Olga shared with many other refugees seeking safe space abroad Olga had experience from 2014 when assisting IDPs in Donbas She believes she now understands the Ukrainian refugees more than anyone else – being a refugee herself as well as having experience with fleeing the war Currently, she landed a job at LWF centre in Gdansk
“This job makes me feel needed I feel the people need me I am also doing everything in my power to keep my children free from the stress of those who flee the war I want them to have a normal life “
Lutheran World Federation (LWF) is a global communion of 149 churches in the Lutheran tradition in 99 countries worldwide
We strive to put our Christian faith into action through humanitarian and development work, advocacy, shared witness, and dialogue
LWF supports the diaconal work of its member churches Through its humanitarian arm, World Service, we also support people in need, including refugees, internally displaced people, and host communities. LWF World Service has 27 country programs in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East
LWF in Ukraine provides support in different working areas: through churches, directly through our humanitarian programs in Ukraine and Poland, and through advocacy LWF supports the diaconal work with people affected by the war in Ukraine that is carried out by our member churches in Ukraine, Poland, the Slovak Republic, Romania, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Estonia LWF also has two humanitarian programmes registered in Ukraine and Poland In Ukraine, we support winterization, school renovation, and communication equipment in Kharkiv and Chernihiv oblast In Poland, we provide cash grants, psychosocial support, language classes, and cultural and creative activities for refugees and their hosts through six community centers
How did you experience the collaboration with LWF and where was the joint work especially helpful?
In the very first days of the war, representatives of the LWF came to Poland offering support for the activities of the Church At that time we did not know how this cooperation would develop What was important, was that the communion responded to the situation in one of the LWF regions, and as a member church, we felt that we weren't left alone in that situation.
In Poland, there was an especially warm welcome and very generous support to the refugees from Ukraine. Why do you think that is, and what motivates the many ECACP pastors and church volunteers to help?
The war broke out across our eastern border, close to our country, our homes. For at least 8 years we had a group of citizens from Ukraine who were here because of the situation in Donbas or who worked here It was also influenced by our historical experience For many Poles, it was obvious that it was necessary to help our neighbors There was no calculation, no analysis, just spontaneous action Lutheran parishes also joined in the assistance, to the best of their ability We are a small Church, living in the diaspora, but in an emergency situation this does not matter People have been trying to help as much as possible.
I think they feel responsible, not only for themselves but also for the people who live around us. They are probably also afraid of what might happen, sometimes they feel powerless, they would like to do anything to end this war. In many parishes volunteer groups have been formed, projects are being implemented, and people from Ukraine have the opportunity to integrate into the local community and receive support
(Questions: LWF Answers: Bishop Jerzy Samiec, Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Poland/ ECACP)
"In the past year, we have received terrible news on so many occasions We have also witnessed so much hospitality to refugees, solidarity and strong support for the people and churches of Ukraine The regional churches and their diaconal agencies have done a remarkable job showing us what it means to welcome the stranger We are deeply grateful for their work and our collaboration in serving people in need Despite everything, that is a sign of hope "
Faith leaders strongly affirm call for peace and respect of humanitarian law and protection of refugeesPHOTO: BARTOSZ PACHUTA/ LWF
Marina and her family are among the 3 4 million refugees who entered Romania following the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Feb 24, 2022, with an additional estimated 95 thousand to come Bucharest became a synonym for new beginnings to Marina and her whole family She is one of the lucky few who managed to reunite abroad with her husband, who was out of the country when the war broke out
Marina recalls it as if it was yesterday: her husband called and asked her to tape windows to prevent getting hurt by shrapnel in case of a bombing At first, she thought he must be joking but the streets of Odesa witnessed a massive exodus of locals, showing her that the war was on her doorstep After this shock, Marina returned home hoping to recover, but instead, she received another surprise A phone call from a relative announced the sudden death of her uncle, a soldier
That was what made the decision for Marina It was high time to put her family’s safety first Marina reached out to her relatives in Romania They offered help and a temporary safe haven was secured She took her two children, the necessary documents, and a minimum amount of clothes. Emotions were very intense and beyond description
“I closed the door,” Marina recalls, “fed the dog, fed the chickens. I left them some food, I imagined I would be back in two days I did not know where I was going and I had no clue what was I going to do I arrived in Romania with 23 euros to feed four people ”
Marina and her family managed to secure a flat through a generous Facebook offer by a Romanian family At that time she hoped this would be a temporary solution and she could soon return to Ukraine
Days went by, and the family watched the news, eagerly waiting for signs of successful peace talks with none in sight The reality was gloomy and a change of focus was needed Marina realized she needed to get busy to survive and accepted a volunteer opportunity at Margareta Romania Foundation, assisting as an interpreter to doctors, and then two months later landed a job with AIDRom as a translator Although far from fluent in Romanian, she did well in the interview and was also hired on the ACT Alliance project
“A colleague of mine would always encourage me: try one more time It was not perfect, but we understood,” and that was enough to keep Marina going Knowing that she helps other refugees feels very rewarding.
A sense of normalcy and regular daily routines are what keep the whole family going Her children now attend school and learn Romanian and Marina herself started taking English lessons Helping those who arrive now – a year after it all began – is harder, having waited a year for it to be over and still facing the status quo
"There are people who after 10 months have returned home because they can't cope anymore They miss their husbands and fathers very much ” This is something she understands very well, remembering how lucky she is to have her husband by her side When homesickness hits, helping others she redirects the attention away from herself, and feels useful Marina is still heartbroken since her brother´s family is in Ukraine and she does not have regular contact with them due to power cuts, although they do keep in touch every now and then
Her way out of depression and despair is definitely by looking ahead Marina hopes she can secure a better future for herself and her family abroad "I don't know how long it will take for Ukraine to get back on its feet once the war is over. I feel I can give the children a future here We'll do our best to stay so that they can keep being educated, learning English "
About AIDRom:
(Inter-Church AID Department Romania) started its activity in 1991 as a joint endeavour of the churches present in the country: the Romanian Orthodox Church, the Reformed Church, and the Lutheran Church, in cooperation with Unit IV (Sharing and Service) of the World Council of Churches In 1993 it received the juridical status of the Ecumenical Association of Churches in Romania In 1994 two other members joined: the Evangelical Lutheran Synodal Presbyterian Church and the Armenian Orthodox Church AIDRom developed steadily and quickly became a national platform for ecumenical dialogue and collaboration of Christian Churches in Romania At the same time, AIDRom is working to respond to the needs addressed by society in the following fields: resuming ecumenical dialogue in a new setting, interethnic and social reconciliation, actions for combating discrimination, social work and Diakonia with specific target groups related to women issues, children at risk phenomenon, disabled, elderly, and generally marginalized people, refugees, increasing poverty, gender inequality, access to rights, labour rights, as well as the environmental issues and effects and victims of natural disasters AIDRom supports, coordinates, and facilitates long-term sustainable development activities and has an immediate reaction when a humanitarian crisis occurs
AIDRom is a member of the Act Alliance, along with over 145 faith-based organisations working in long-term development, advocacy, and humanitarian assistance, with an active presence in over 125 countries
AIDRom in Ukraine:
Since the beginning of the Ukrainian refugee crisis, AIDRom has helped by being involved in refugee management, providing a complex system of emergency assistance, both at border crossings, in accommodation centres, and in various locations AIDRom helps Ukrainian refugees at Romanian entry points by offering humanitarian assistance, transportation and accommodation, food, hygiene products, clothes, and aid tickets
In April 2022, AIDRom applied for the ACT -UKR221 Call and is considering a complex assistance system designed to facilitate the integration of more than 2,000 Ukrainian refugees into Romania The system would involve providing counselling and social and legal information, social assistance (social vouchers for food, hygiene, and drugs), medical consultations, subsidising costs for participation in the national education system, support in accessing the labour market, cultural integration, creating an inter-institutional network between authorities and NGOs for a period of 1 year Since June 2022, AIDRom has contributed through its projects to integrating refugees in Ukraine
If you had just 20 minutes to pack a small bag and leave the rest behind, possibly forever, what would you pack? For Natalia, who fled Ukraine earlier this year, the answer to this question was: documents, necessary items for her son, her son ’ s favorite toy, books and some snacks The limited belongings Ukrainians like Natalia have fled with reveal how sudden, shocking and frightening it is to be forced out of one ’ s own country.
When Russia invaded Ukraine in late February, Natalia had to make a quick decision to flee or stay in her country As explosions boomed near her home, and her 10-year-old son cried with fear, Natalia quickly knew what had to be done “At that moment I realized that the most important thing was my son and that we had to leave," she says "So we took the car and we left ”
Natalia kept a calm and strong composure as she and her son fled to nearby Moldova As they approached the border and reality set in, however, Natalia allowed herself to shed a tear Fortunately, in Moldova Natalia discovered a welcoming community that she describes as “ a warm hug ”
“When we drove into Moldova and people saw our license plate from Ukraine, they stopped and asked ‘Do you need any help?’ ‘Do you need medicine?’ ‘Do you need psychological help?’, ’ Do you have a place to stay?’”
After a few months in Moldova, Natalia’s tears of sorrow turned into tears of joy and gratitude. Thanks to the support of the community and local organisations, Natalia and her son have been able to create a peaceful life for themselves Natalia shared, “in this city, my son and I feel safe He is smiling, he’s singing, he’s drawing, and he’s going to school online I am also teaching school online to Ukrainian children ”
Filled with gratitude and a desire to give back, Natalia decided to become a volunteer at a CWS-supported distribution center in Balti, where she helps distribute food and clothing to refugees Natalia explained that as winter approached, distributing warm clothes became extra important to prevent people from getting sick “A lot of people are still coming here from Ukraine and they are very stressed and disoriented," she says "We know what they are going through, we understand them and we want to help ” At the distribution center, Natalia also likes to talk to other refugees and share her own tips, and knowledge. As she told us, “the same warmth I received here ” She stated, “the formula for helping is that you accept the help, and then you are able to help someone else That’s what I’m doing ”
Despite the war, Natalia remains hopeful and dreams of the day she will be able to return to Ukraine Soon, she will be reunited with her parents who will be coming to live with her and her son in Moldova She told us her father is excited to see his grandson and said, “to be one family in one place will be the moment we finally feel totally safe ” Through our continued effort in Moldova, and volunteers like Natalia, we hope to help other refugees find the same safety and warmth that Natalia and her family have found
WATCH THIS VIDEO OF CWS S UKRAINE RESPONSE IN 2022:
Church World Service (CWS) is a global development organization founded by 37 Christian denominations with one vision: to create a world where everyone has food, voice and a safe place to call home We’ve been working to make this a reality for over 75 years by focusing on three pillars: Hunger & Poverty; Migration, Asylum & Refuge; and Disaster Response and Preparedness By joining forces with local organisations and our global partners, we are working to build a better world for all
Through our existing partnerships in Moldova, we have developed programs to respond to the needs of Ukrainian refugees Our programmes have focused on providing food and supplies for refugees, supporting local organisations through equipment, supplies, and capital, and assisting Ukrainian Roma refugees
In our emergency response, we supported refugees and the local Moldovan community The assistance we provided included cash assistance and vouchers which covered a variety of household needs, for host families and refugees in one state-run refugee accommodation centre In this Refugee Accommodation Center, CWS provided funds for kitchen equipment, internet, TV sets, and bedding supplies We recently teamed up with our partner, Ormax, to install solar panels in the center which will provide reliable and affordable heat and electricity
With our local partner, Diaconia, we established a multi-purpose refugee hub The primary focus of the hub is education and psychosocial support for children Mothers who regularly take their children to the activities at the refugee hub have also attended courses on cultural reintegration run by centre teachers. We are also supporting youth through sport, art, language, and culture programming organized through UMCOR
In Moldova, we are also working to identify and assess the needs of Ukrainian Roma refugees Through this initiative, Roma refugees are given access to resources and aid that include food donations, hygiene materials, mattresses, clothing, kitchen equipment, and legal help The goal of this program is to ensure that Roma refugees are not invisible to the system and aid providers
Dasha is a young mother living in Balti, Moldova, just 250km from Odesa, Ukraine When Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Dasha did not hesitate to offer her modest home to welcome families fleeing the conflict that had erupted in their home country
Natalia and her nine-year-old son fled Odessa with one backpack, carrying what they could fit in it with them They headed for the closest border, with neighbouring Moldova, and made their way towards Balti, which is a city with a strong Ukrainian community, and one where Russian is spoken by many of its residents
Hundreds of Moldovans had made their way to the border to meet and assist arriving refugees, and Natalia was able to be linked with Dasha through this informal network
“When Natalia and her son arrived at my door, it was night,” Dasha recalls “Her eyes were wide, full of fear That made it easy for me to make my decision to welcome her How could I not?”
In the year since her arrival at Dasha’s home on February 28, 2022, Natalia’s sister and her child, as well as Natalia’s mother have joined her in Dasha’s home The families get along very well today, caring for each other and supporting each other
But the early weeks were more challenging “In the first days, Natalia was glued to her phone, constantly watching the news of the war Her son was anxious, asking why there was a war, why they had to leave, when could they go home,” Dasha says
Over the year, both Natalias and Dashas families were supported by ACT member HEKS/EPER’s programme for Ukrainian refugees and host families Natalias family received vouchers to buy food, clothes, hygiene items, and other necessities, as well as winter goods like blankets and sheets, boots, and gloves Dasha’s family received briquettes to heat the home
Natalia’s life has become much more stable over the last year “I was teaching in Odessa at a school for students with special needs,” she says. “I am teaching again online. My students are now spread around the world, as well as in Ukraine We have a daily schedule for our classes, but we all stop school when we hear the air raid sirens go off in Odessa ”
Her son, now ten, has also taken to life in Balti “He used to study karate in Odessa, and is studying again here, as well as English lessons, art, and vocal classes,” she says with a smile “I barely see him! I check in on the phone to make sure he is ok.”
She is in touch with her family in Odessa, where her father remained to watch their property They were last able to visit in August, six months ago.
Life is uncertain, and no one knows what will happen next in Ukraine, but Dasha’s home remains as a haven for Natalia and her family Dasha is determined to continue to be available for her guests who have become such close friends
“We’re not a rich family,” she says “But seeing children running from the war, we didn’t think twice about welcoming them The happy stories don’t unite people as much as the hard ones I just share whatever I have ”
As the conversation ends, Dasha finishes with the most profound comment of the day, “The ability to help others is what makes us human,” she concludes “I have to be a good person, to help others ”
HEKS/EPER supports development cooperation projects to combat poverty and injustice and advocates for a life in dignity for all people in over 30 countries across 4 continents At the same time, HEKS/EPER strives for systemic change through its development work – in Switzerland and worldwide HEKS/EPER provides humanitarian assistance around the world for victims of disasters caused by natural hazards and armed conflicts and supports the diaconal work of churches in Eastern Europe and the Middle East Through its programmes in Switzerland, HEKS/EPER champions the rights and causes of refugees and socially underprivileged people In its projects around the world and in its work of raising awareness around development and social policy topics in Switzerland, HEKS/EPER places the emphasis on the four priorities of climate justice, the right to land and food, flight and migration, and integration
HEKS in Ukraine: providing protection, alleviating hardship From Odessa, HEKS/EPER has established supply lines to alleviate the plight of the people in the cities and regions in the south and east of the country that are hit especially hard by the war HEKS/EPER is also supporting its long-standing partners in Transcarpathia in their work
that of caring for the elderly and for people with disabilities who are neither able nor willing to leave the country, and of receiving internally displaced people seeking shelter there
Sister Lilya (1st person from left, 31 years old) and her son Ygor (7 months) and her sister Yulia (3rd person from left, 28 years old) with their baby in conversation with Mario Göb (1st person from right, Ukraine coordinator Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe) and Tetiana Basiuk (2nd person from right, from the local aid organisation "Child Wellbeing Fund"). Both survived a missile attack on their home with their older sons in March 2022 They were sleeping on the second floor with the children Both women were pregnant at the time The shrapnel is still stuck in the bedroom wall today. All survived unharmed and were able to flee to relatives Julia gave birth to little Ygor one month later
Together with Diakonie Poland, Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe supports over 20,000 refugees from Ukraine in Poland with cash assistance in the form of cash cards In the gymnasium of Ognisko Pracy Pozaszkalnej nr 1 (Extracurricular Work Centre) is the registration centre of Diakonie Poland. Here, Ukrainian refugees are registered and counseled by Ukrainian-speaking Diakonie Poland staff before being issued debit cards Relieved: Hanna Nielepa fled to Poland from the Luhansk region in July 2022 with her two children Evelina and Matei In her hand, she holds the debit card and an information leaflet from Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe in Ukrainian
Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe (DKH):
We are the humanitarian assistance agency of the Protestant churches in Germany with headquarters in Berlin We have been providing for people in need for over 65 years In 2021 we were active in 31 countries in Africa, Asia, America, and Europe In 121 projects we provided emergency relief, supported people with reconstruction, and carried out disaster risk reduction For this, we spent 53 million euros About 150 employees work at our 16 locations around the world.
DKH in Ukraine:
Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe launched an aid program for Ukraine immediately after the war began and is doing everything it can to ensure people's survival We are active in cooperation with our partner organisations both in Ukraine and in the neighbouring countries of Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, and Moldova, as well as in the Czech Republic and Germany Together, we have already launched numerous aid projects
The conflict in Ukraine has been distressing for millions of Ukrainian civilians forced to flee their homes, especially for children who are at high risk of multiple traumatic consequences as victims of war To help tackle this, the IDP centre in Berehove, Zakarpattia has found a solution in a Bernese Mountain Dog named Doxa, who –together with her therapist owner Barbara Körözsi - comes to visit the displaced children every week
Doxa helps the children build their self-confidence and regain a sense of normalcy Playing with the dog and learning tricks makes it easier for children who are withdrawn to talk, process their feelings, and formulate memories and desires
Barbara the therapist recalls that “There was one family who arrived here from Severodonetsk. They had a boy and a girl who were afraid of any noise that sounded like war But when they started to come to the programme, the children became more and more open They dont cry, but rather play and have fun "
CHRISTIAN AID RESPONSE:
Utilising the DEC funds of £9 5 million in six months, Christian Aid has responded by delivering emergency assistance to over 770,000 people affected by the war In partnership with five organisations (Alliance for Public Health, Blythswood, Hungarian Interchurch Aid, Swiss Church Aid, and Crown Agents), we have worked across Ukraine and the neighbouring countries of Hungary and Romania Our key priority is providing life-saving and life-preserving activities including front-line medical support, evacuations, addressing urgent basic needs including food, and supporting local volunteers who have been accidental humanitarians to keep doing critical work
“The massive humanitarian response in Ukraine has been made possible thanks to the national organisations, especially churches and faithbased organisations, with the support from international partners The generous and timely support of ACT Alliance members was decisive to save lives, support resilience and promote human dignity”
Rudelmar Bueno de Faria, General Secretary, ACT Alliance
*This information has been collected by inputs from our member organisations and presents an estimate of the total ACT response For specific data relating to ACT Appeal UKR221, please see the Appeal reports
ACT CHURCH OF SWEDEN
DIAKONIE
KATASTROPHENHILFE
WORLD RENEW
KERK IN ACTIE
DANCHURCHAID
UMCOR
EPISCOPAL RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT
PRESBYTERIAN WORLD SERVICE & DEVELOPMENT
UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA
THE PRIMATE'S WORLD RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT FUND
ICELANDIC CHURCH AID
CHRISTIAN AID
CANADIAN LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF
FINN CHURCH AID
CHURCHES OF CHRIST OVERSEAS AID
THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST IN JAPAN
CHRISTIAN WORLD SERVICE NEW ZEALAND
NORWEGIAN CHURCH AID
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
CHELLARAM FOUNDATION LIMITED
CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST) WEEK OF COMPASSION
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST USA
CORDAID - ICCO
WORLD NEIGHBOURS
ANGLICAN OVERSEAS AID
ANGLICANS IN DEVELOPMENT
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN BAVARIA
AUSTRALIAN LUTHERAN WORLD SERVICE
PRESBYTERIAN DISASTER ASSISTANCE, PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH USA
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Action
Together (ACT Alliance) is a coalition of more than 145 churches and church-related organisations working together in over 125 countries to create positive and sustainable change in the lives of poor and marginalised people regardless of their religion, politics, gender, race or nationality in keeping with the highest international codes and standards.
With extremely high levels of humanitarian need and no clear sign of an end to hostilities, ACT Alliance remains committed to the delivery of quality humanitarian assistance in response to this devastating crisis”
Niall O´Rourke Head of Humanitarian AffairsACT Alliance demonstrates its value as the leading faith-based alliance in humanitarian response by working with faith and humanitarian actors at the global, regional, national, and community levels ACT harnesses the combined strength of its members in delivering humanitarian response at scale and with considerable reach through joint programming approaches.
We commit to an effective ecumenical response that saves lives and maintains dignity, irrespective of race, gender, belief, nationality, ethnicity, or political persuasion Humanitarian needs define our priorities and the humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence guide our actions We remain committed to strengthening the resilience of affected communities and to being accountable to people and communities affected by a crisis The ACT Alliance Secretariat is certified against the Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability and is committed to the Sphere Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response.
